Another year gone

We were sitting at dinner when Ellen reminded us that she only has a few days until her freshman year is over.  Then she really got me.  She said, "Only three more years with me."  I couldn't help it...here came the tears.  Is it really only three more years until she is gone???  I can remember planning her third birthday and now I am thinking about number sixteen.  And suddenly I am feeling all this fear.  She hasn't even left for college and I am wondering if I have taught her enough about safety.  I am fighting the desire to start planting the seed in her mind that she just needs to live with me forever so I can keep her safe.  Will I be ready to release her to the world and will she be ready?  The fears of a mother's heart.  At least I have a verrrryy long time before I have to do it again with the boys.  Maybe that is why God gave me kids so far apart!