A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future

Alas, the Christmas holidays went all too quickly and it seemed like no time before we were back at the airport saying “farewell” to Nerea.  Inevitably, we both shed a few years but we had to “man up” and at the risk of appearing clichéd, remember the “Love is …..putting on a smiley face” cartoon.  Because it’s all about letting go!  And it’s hard.  I never appreciated how difficult it could be for a parent until I had Nerea….and although that’s how it should be, it’s a bitter-sweet experience of pride in her youthful  independence intermingled with sadness and loss