I sought out the Lord’s wisdom and strength and was impressed with the need to communicate what was on my heart with my daughter.  It was the best thing that could have happened.  I had prayerfully considered ahead of time what I would say.  It was important that I not burden her with sadness or grief (even though I was feeling those things).  What I did want to communicate was the simple truth that “life was going to change and we need to face that fact.”  I had also prayerfully examined my heart and came up with some simple requests I hoped she would consider.  We had a wonderful chat.  We both wanted this to be the “best” good-bye and purposed that we would not let the stress interfere with our relationship.  It was important to me to be involved in the packing up of her belongings.  Kim was concerned about me being involved, and hadn’t asked me because she thought it would be harder on me and also didn’t want it to be one big cry fest.  I promised her that it would not be a cry fest and that I desperately needed to be involved.  She agreed and we had three of the sweetest days together that I can remember.  There were a few tears here and there, but they were short and appropriate.  We had a lot more laughs and hugs.  I wouldn’t trade those days for anything!  God had heard my prayers and had given me a gift that could not be taken away.  Caution: If you find yourself in a similar situation remember that this is something you work out with your child.  They may not be able to grant your requests. Their needs may be different than yours.  Go forward prayerfully, communicating your heart, not with the intention of burdening them but of building a stronger relationship and a better good-bye.