The last day

Today starts the long 10 day emotional roller coaster until October 27th.

A day that 2 years ago started out a happy day.

The day we baptized our son.

It was a day spent celebrating with family and friends.

Going to church together to welcome Jamie into the world.

A day laughing, eating {too much} good food, taking {too many} pictures and just spending time together.

One of the last beautiful weekends we had before fall really set in.

One where a frazzled new mom was trying to soak it all in.

One where the 2 1/2 month old guest of honor was fussy and cranky a good portion of the day, suffering from an ear infection which we didn't know was brewing.

One where mothers and daughters and husbands and wives nit pick at each other over silly, trivial things.

Despite all the crazy, it truly was a great day.

One I thought {at the time} I would remember forever.

And I do.

Now however, it will forever be remembered as the last day I spent with my mom.

I've replayed that day in my head more times than I can count.

I remember being in a rush to get home that afternoon after all the festivities had died down.

With a 2 1/2 hour drive ahead of us, we opted out of one last boat ride and bid everyone a fond farewell.

In the hustle and bustle of packing up I don't really even remember saying goodbye.

I remember my mom hurrying to get down to the dock, and I remember the house going quiet, realizing she had left, but I don't remember saying goodbye.

There may have been a quick hug or a "Have a safe trip home!"

But that's it.

Nothing huge or monumental.

Certainly nothing grand.

And I'm ok with that.

Or at least I try to be.

Because it's all I have.

And I have to remember, that no matter how {un}grand the goodbye may have been, it really was a great {last} day.

Our last picture together.  Taken very appropriately in front of the Mother's Wall of Life.