Ivy turned 18 last week. We are now parents of an adult. I can no longer be surprised by all the gray hairs… gray is who I am!

That evening Ivy was pet sitting at a country house. It was nestled in the woods, a beautiful place. But the thought of sleeping there in the dark forest… Ivy decided to bring a protector: Powerful Phoebe. Movies and popcorn ensued.

But after going to bed Phoebe woke up with the cat sleeping on her pillow. Phoebe is mildly allergic – as long as she does not touch a cat all is fine. But a cat resting on her face was too much. Her cheeks started to break out and soon Ivy was calling. Cue groggy dad voice, but Ivy did not need me to come. She just wanted me to know she was bringing Phoebe home.

Soap and water, a little Benadryl, and Phoebe was good. But at one in the morning Ivy was driving back into the dark forest. I found myself watching her car on Life360. My mind wandered to little bitty Ivy and that soon she will be away at college. I am proud. But also nervous… and I realize all my hairs will turn gray.