This afternoon Emily departed for a semester abroad in Prague. Her mom and I took her to the airport and said our last goodbyes for now

You should have seen her pack her suitcases. She bought two shrink bags which reduce contents to their bare minimum. More room in the suitcases. They do accomplish that purpose. The only problem is they have the specific weight of lead.

She is off on her first grand voyage. The unacknowledged gorilla in the room was that we will not see her for 5 months. The subtext being letting go of our children, however ready they may be. Let's just say there was a lump in my throat there at the security gate and I did my best to sublimate it. We gave each other a tight hug. She wiped away a couple of tears. And then off she went. Bon voyage, wonderful daughter.

I will not meddle while she is there. Obviously I am here for her if she needs me. She can handle it. This is her first great opportunity to deal with the unknown and spread her wings.