Ain't No Sunshine

Oil on board
12x18 with gold floater frame. Wired and ready to hang.
 
Transitions have always been a challenge for me.  Especially when it came to parenting.
Two years ago, our oldest went to college. 
She was SO happy to be going to Penn State!!  We moved her up to Happy Valley with the minivan packed to the gills!
Move in day was crazy busy.  We got the key, headed to the dorm and worked our magic.  Her room was sweet!  A new building with a perfect view of Beaver Stadium.
The energy on campus was electric that day!  College at its best!  Sunshine, freedom, and a new school year.
We said our goodbye in the parking lot.  She wrote us all an assortment of cards; each envelope marked with a different date to open.  And she made us each a special playlist for us to listen to after we left.
My final hug with her turned into the ugly cry…so many friends described how it would feel, but until you do it, you don’t get it.
Pride AND grief took hold of me.
My head knew this moment was coming for 18 years, my heart, well that’s a different story…
“Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And this house just aint no home
Anytime she goes away”
The tricky part was navigating this new space; still connected but living apart. 
Change can be REALLY uncomfortable.  But necessary for growth.
We gave her deep, sturdy roots over those 18 years, and it was time for her to get her wings.
One out of the nest.  Time to fly and share your gifts with the world.
Go get your life baby girl, we’ve got your back ☺
Song Reference: Ain’t No Sunshine, Bill Withers