Ivy was in the hospital’s incubator. She was beautiful and amazing. And tough — after what I just witnessed. My eyes were wide, my heart praying. I was not sure if I was allowed to touch her. So I asked the nurse if it was okay? With a laugh, she replied, “She is your baby girl.” Mine? Those words were scary, but I reached out my hand …
From that first touch the memories flash. Diapers gave way to softball gloves to the clarinet to dresses for a dance. Yet I still don’t understand how we found ourselves in a little dorm room. Again I am scared. Then I look at Ivy. My baby girl is a beautiful and amazing… woman. And she is tough. She is ready.
Even if I am not! But then I was never ready and just learned to pray. So that is what I will do today.
PLUNGE47 
We know, as parents, that our task is to prepare these special gifts from God, to become someone who can stand on their own, and live their best life. We know that, we’re told that.
But knowing it, and facing it, are two very different things. I was so very proud of Heather when we left her at Mizzou her freshman year. So proud. I didn’t cry til I got home. Honest. I cried in the parking lot when I left Amanda.
And we won’t even talk about driving away from Heather’s new apartment, realizing that for HER, “home” was no longer with us, but on her own.
Still so very proud of them, but there are times when I stand in Heather’s old room, and see the tiny hand prints on Amanda’s ceiling that Heather and I painted…..
Yeah, dust in my eyes.
I completely understand! Tiny hand prints get all of us parents — every time!!
Hey Sean,
This is Nicole Todd (Paul). Jodie said she saw you took Ivy up to Truman State yesterday. My daughter Taylor we took up yesterday as well. Taylor is in Ryle. Not sure where Ivy is, but I told Taylor if she met an Ivy ask her is Taylor is her last name! Taylor was one of three kids head up there from Blue Springs South, and she didn’t know the other two. How you guys are doing well!
Nicole
Hi Nicole! Ivy is in Missouri. She is in the nursing program. I will let Ivy know about Taylor