Spending the Night Off

I remember as a little girl one of my favorite treats was to spend the night with a friend. My friend Katie and I took turns spending the night with each other as often as our moms would allow. Saturday nights were out of the question because they knew we would be much too cranky for church.

I can't believe Anna Clare is to that age. She just recently spent the night away from home for the first time (granted it was only 2 doors down which made it really easy on her (I mean me). I didn't know if she would stay all night, but with a few extra bedtime stories, she made it. Now, she's a pro.

We are blessed with some wonderful neighbors who have become very good friends. Anna Clare adores their little girls, and seems to always be playing with one or the other (or both). One of the little girls was in her class last year, and we were so excited to find out that they will be in the same Kindergarten class this year.

She spent the night with her one night this week. She had her bag packed as soon as her feet hit the floor that morning, and it was all she talked about all day. As I got ready to send her over, she said, "Don't be sad mommy. I know you'll miss me, but it's only for one night."

She was right. I did miss her, even though she was only a few yards away. Of course, it is more than just spending the night with a friend. It's the fact that she starts Kindergarten in 2 days and then will be in school all day next year! And so on and so on.

Before she left, she said her nighttime prayers and gave me lots of hugs and kisses. As I stood in the yard and watched her cross the street, she turned and blew me a kiss and a hug. "I love you," I called. "I love you too," she yelled back. And then she was gone. Only for a night of course. But it was such a bittersweet reminder of all that is to come. Each new stage brings a bit more independence, but also a sadness in my heart as I think about how there will always be something I will have to "let go of."