The day is drawing near............as the sound of packing tape is heard and boxes are moved, we are entering the final countdown. The days are being marked off in eager anticipation on the countdown chart on the kitchen bench. After nigh 30 years, our parenting days are o'er, at least in the sense of the daily interactions with one of our children. I have been a parent for more years than not, by a long stretch, and while this day was inevitable, I don't approach it with glee. Yes I am happy that Anisia is exercising her independence, moving into her own accommodation and using the things she has neatly packed away over the past years, probably to be surprised when she opens some of them. Anisia has been a true angel in our lives, sometimes a chip off the old block, but more oftentimes her own unique self, loving and caring for others.She has developed a beautiful faith in her Lord and Saviour which any parent yearns for in each of their children.My pride in her is immeasurable.....I know that God has a special plan for her life, that growing apart from us is part of that just as it has been for our other children. I am blessed that she is close enough for more constant contact than the others probably ever will be, but if God chooses to take her away even further from us, then I know that I am meant to stand on my own two feet even more.Like the footprints in the sand I know that as Jesus carries me at times, He too will carry Anisia as she walks and sometimes stumbles through life.May God bless you Anisia as you do walk with HIM......like our pride, our love for you is immeasurable, and how we are going to miss you.