Goodbye Again

She's stoic, like her mother, when it comes to emotions though she has a fiery temper and passions are expressed loudly.

So I was unprepared as her voice breaks when she tells me she loves me, hugging me tight and we both cry.

A master of words, I can't think of a single one.

We share tears instead.

Turning quickly to leave, wiping away the tears, she rushes to the car her Mom's decorated in white "UGA 2023" letters on the windows.

Sarah's in our loaded vehicle.

Maddie's driving her car loaded with her sisters Laurel and Cassidy.

The three couldn't be more different yet here they are in an incredible showing of "family" as one moves away for good.

Che, the two year old, occupies Maddie's room as soon as the house is empty, knowing somehow her "best friend" won't be around in quite the same way.

Che lays in her bed.

Plays with a porcelain doll Maddie leaves behind.

And some blocks the two of them shared.

Much later, she and I meander out into the drive way to stand in the spot where Maddie parked her car and we feel the emptiness.

"Maddie coming home," Che asks.

"Thanksgiving, I think."

"Yay!" Che claps.

I thank God for the lack of understanding of time.

Reflecting back to my older kids, Jeremy, Kristen and Chelsea leaving home,  it never dawned on me I'd have to let go again.

Mad drove me crazy.

I drove her crazy.

But we agree on politics, women's rights, acceptance of people regardless of sexual orientation, race, Trump, the Tybee Island Police Department and College football.

We do not agree on music, fashion, humor, food, entertainment or who's fault it is that pop corn spilled on the floor before the latest installment of  "The Lord of the Rings" or "Star Wars" even began.

I covered her ass on occasion.

And she covered mine.

God Damn I already miss her and it's not even one day yet.

It's alright.

She's smart.

And beautiful.

Lord knows she's full of her mother's stoic passion and the last person you ever want to pick a fight.

But you're right here Maddie, at the beginning of everything.

Just like Jeremy, Kristen and Chelsea, you'll find your way and it will be incredible!

And you'll rarely look back.

Maybe, on those rare occasions when you do, you'll smile at things we did.

And when things you don't understand come your way ... and God knows you hate to admit it ... you'll remember you can always call or text.

I'm here.

Like your Mom, we're always here.

Kick ass Mad!

And you can laugh at me now as I keep wiping the tears away.

Leaving it at that

Where's Chip?

He's not in this picture because he has a wireless connection on his guitar.

He's probably meandering around The Sand Bar during service while playing lead solos and sampling from the Potluck on the Pool Table, sipping a Bloody Mary during the sermon, or watching girls in bikinis walk outside the large windows.

The rest of the Band are playing Hymns and call out for a guitar solo ... "TAKE IT CHIP!" ... and sure enough there's a priceless, pristine, glorious lead guitar solo.

We just have no idea where it's coming from.

Eye contact is am important part of a band seamlessly playing multiple instruments orchestrated for the glory of God.

"WHERE'S CHIP?" Eric Johnson bellows before taking the next verse.

Davy the drummer's suddenly worries the rapture occurred and he missed it.

Monty Parks and David could care less 'cause they're really into the music and are sort of oblivious it's Church taking place.

The Rev's wondering if it's an epiphany.

Somehow it all comes together.

We have no idea how it comes together but ... it sort of comes together.

God probably knows.

We leave it at that.
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