California Bound

Another installment of "My Life as the Mother of a Near Grown Up."

After weeks of planning and excitement, my ultra feminist daughter walked away, headed towards the Volvo parked in the driveway. The white car packed like a sardine can had California license plates. The 3 inhabitants of the Volvo had driven 36 hours to pick up the 4th.

As they mulled around the kitchen preparing to leave for a 2 week adventure, I just kept breathing. In and Out. In and Out. In and Out.

Destination: Chicago. Minnesota. North Dakota. Yellowstone. Northern California.

I gave out my hugs and told the boyfriend, "Take good care of her..."

Across the porch, she glared at me. "I can take care of myself. I don't need a man to do that."

"I know."

And because I raised her that way ... she was off on the adventure of a lifetime.