I fly out later today. Back to Pennsylvania after 11 days of being here in Dallas with my kids. I'm ready to go home. I need to go home. So why on earth are mothers plagued with this never-ending "hate to say goodbye syndrome"? When my husband and I went to Cancun 8 years ago, I was truly ready to go home after 5 days. After awhile I just miss my coffee cup, my robe, my cat, my dog, my husband - not in that order. I told my son and his wife goodbye two days ago, as they headed off to Florida for vacation. I H.A.T.E. to tell him goodbye - I seem to see him the least and it always kills me to hug him that last time. Maybe it's that he's bigger than me. Maybe because he's a boy and quiet. I don't know why it's hard - just that it is.

My middle daughter and her husband came over tonight and we had pizza. We spent the evening together talking - nice. This "boy" I wasn't so sure about 8 years ago has grown into a fine young man, and a good husband. Hugging them goodbye was easier. They're headed to PA, with dogs onboard, in July. Tomorrow I have to hug Sarah, Chris and the kids goodbye. Caiden and I are "buddies" and we're always sad to wave that last wave. That might be because he thinks I'm old enough to die off any ole day...

So today, instead of being sad, I'm going to celebrate the highlights of my time here.

#1 Watching my new granddaughter lose some wrinkles - she's gaining weight and filling out. Seeing her first smiles. Getting to be one of the few privileged who has held and rocked her to sleep. I got to be her first official babysitter while Sarah and Chris snuck out for a date.

#2 Quality time with Sarah's husband - we usually don't get to see him much on visits. It was really great. I'm thankful my son-in-laws love me.

#3 Watching Sarah and Chris regain control of the house after bringing another baby home. They're rolling along again, after some hefty bumps in the road.

#4 Realizing you never forget how to change diapers if you've got enough of them under your belt.

#5 Getting to read somebody a bedtime story again, play in the sandbox again, and push a stroller again.

#6 Marble slab - enough said.

#7 Making homemade pancakes with two little boys, twice.

#8 Triple pedicures - just us girls. Thank you Sarah.

#9 Having snacks and playing Memory under the trampoline with Caiden, then playing "crack the egg" on the trampoline. When I asked if he'd still do this with me when he's 14, he said yes. I believe him.

#10 Bathing Grayson, washing his hair with baby shampoo, then drying him off and putting on little pjs. The smell and feel of a freshly bathed child is so wonderful.

#11 I got to see all three of my children, with their spouses, in marriages that are growing and flourishing, through all life brings their way. What a blessing!

#12 Talking to my sweet husband every night and knowing he wished I was home. When we talked tonight and I said, "See you tomorrow" I could hear the relief in his voice. We miss each other.

So I'm going home, with fresh reminders that I'm Blessed Beyond Measure.