October 23

Four years ago when I accompanied Abby to the studio contracted by the high school to take her Senior portraits, I was surprised to find myself suddenly getting emotional as the photographer placed the cap on her head. (In fact, Abby will tell you that I audibly gasped.)

So this afternoon, when Isaac took his turn as Senior of the Hour, the moisture that suddenly stung my eyes as the tassel was given one final adjustment weren't entirely unexpected. 

He looked over at me between takes and his eyes softened as he noticed my tears. He gave a slight smile and then went back about the business of grinning for the camera. 

There's something about that cap that gets me every time. (Well, it's gotten me twice. And I fully expect that it will get me again.) I think it's the symbolism of "capping" off their time at home with us, in the safety of the nest we've built for our family. And that's a big deal for parents because it's hard --and scary-- to think about sending them out into the wider world.

But that's why I'm grateful to God for His direction, and I'm even more grateful for the deep faith that I know Isaac holds in his heart. And of course, I'm beyond grateful and blessed to be his mom.