We watched 4 different school buses pass our house before this one stopped to pick up Charlotte. It was a total thrill to watch her step off our front steps and out into the world this morning. A thrill for all of us.
For Hil and I, this was special because we know the true magic of camp. We know that she is headed for two weeks of incredible experiences, fun in the pool, a bunch of new friends, and so many other things that will enrich her life. And, of course, we are so happy for her. Hil figured that she should wear sunglasses for the pick up, just in case the emotion of the moment caught up with her. Turns out that it was me who needed them though. As much as I'm happy for Charlotte and proud of her for embarking on this adventure with incredible enthusiasm, I'm also kinda sad about the whole thing. And not just because I don't get to go with her – I think it's because i know it's one more new beginning for her out in the world and one more ending for her at home. I course she will have 1000 stories to share with us. But she made her own lunch, packed her own backpack, and put on her own sunscreen this morning. She is overflowing with independence and I'm not too sure about how to handle it. What I am finding interesting as I reflect on this major even in her life (and i really do mean major – around here, the first day of camp is more important that the first day of school) I realize that the things that made saying goodbye to her this morning hard for me Are the very same things that make the experience so completely thrilling for her. Almost as though someone snuck her a note to let her know just how great the experience was going to be and how much she was going to get out of it. I can't fathom how she got the message – but in a way she seemed to know exactly what she was getting herself into.
Anyway. I hope I'm right. I hope she didn't get car sick and I hope she had fun with her cabin mates and I hope she enjoyed her lunch and was alright getting changed for swimming and was able to reapply sunblock and and and… She will be home in about 3 hours – I can't wait!
3 Ginger Snaps 