packing

It's time. The time of year where I have to pack her clothes and favorite bears and toys and movies into a suitcase and get ready to say goodbye to her for seven weeks.

It helps knowing she is excited about going and I know she will have fun. But I so dread the stillness and, despite how exasperating her nearly constant chatter can be, at times, I come to hate the quiet of the house when she is gone.

But, like so many things in this life, it is something we do even if we don't really want to.

As I have these past years, I will put her on the plane with a smile and come home and wait for August 1 when my sunshine comes back.

Smile tho' your heart is aching,
Smile Even though it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky- You'll get by,
If you Smile through your pain and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through- For you.

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide ev'ry trace of sadness,
Altho' a tear may be ever so near,
That's the time (thats the time) you must keep on trying,
Smile- What's the use of crying,
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.