August 8

When Adam took this photo of us at Midway this morning shortly before the boys and I went down the escalator and through security to begin the journey back to California, Abby exclaimed "don't post that online! I'm crying!" But I had every intention of using it (as she full well knew I would) because it's real. And I do try to be real.

Truth be told, three of us were actively crying when this image was taken. Only Isaac remained stoic, though I could see tears pricking the corners of his eyes, too. And though the pain is real, it's also kind of beautiful, because sadness over separation means the love we all share is real and life-affirming.

I'll miss her like crazy in the coming months and I know things will be different from here on out, but I feel so at peace over where she is now. I just know that it's where she belongs and that she will thrive and grow and continue to develop into the young woman she was meant to be.

And for that, although the sadness is real and it's hard on my human heart, I am thankful.