And it was surprisingly joyous.

Sent this guy off to college today. Do you see his smile? For years I’ve wondered about this day were it to come. Would I hold it together? Would it feel like my heart was being ripped out? I have to say, other than a tear or two I have been fine. I’m sure part of it is that our family has been slowly transitioning into this zone. We got used to him missing meals when he got a job at 15, and he eased into college classes since 16. His schedule has been heavy these last two years as he’s balanced FLCC and 2-3 jobs at a time. This past summer we barely saw him as he went to Costa Rica for 10 days and otherwise worked 60+ hours a week. I think it’ll be the little things that trip us up, but technology will make it easy to keep in touch. I’m rejoicing for how God even made Houghton a possibility. I see the ways God has just totally had his hand on Stewart.
Love you Stewart. I’m praying that you’ll do good AND you’ll do well.
(Oh. And he’s only 90 minutes away.)

These are two drawings Marie had me leave for him in his room.

John and I also attended a message from the President.  It was remarkable.  I was tremendously blessed.

We headed home, grabbed the rest of the family and used up our last guest passes for Seabreeze with the purpose of getting out of the house and focusing on fun, not the empty spot at the table.

On the way there, Katriel randomly hoped she’d see her friend, Asher there. 

And then we did.

And it’s not like we even anticipated it, nor have we run into him there before.

We ordered some pizza and wings.

Tab and Marie tried some Dippin’ Dots.

And we ended our Seabreeze Summer for 2019.