The pond of emotion wells up, overflows and seeps out the corner of my eye, a quiet rivulet.  I linger at the dining room window, prayerfully watching until that final moment when her car disappears from view.  She’s happy and carefree, off to visit college friends on the Colorado western slope for a week.

I want this for her.  I do.

But she’s also young, and it’s her first trip solo.  And it’s over the Rocky Mountains.  In January.

It’s not just her physical safety I worry about.  I know there are other dangers.  Spiritual ones.  The kind that wake a mother in the dead of night and compel her to cry out in the darkness to the only true Light.

Does it ever get any easier?  These goodbyes, this letting go, this releasing and trusting?

Seeking solace, I stumble upon a “mother’s” version of “The Prayer” by Celine Dion.  I make it my prayer.  I want this for her too, and for each of my daughters three.

And I am consoled, for I am not the first mom to pour out her heart in tearful intercession for a precious child.  I find comfort, for there is One who watches, and the car never slips out of His sight.

A Mother’s Prayer*

I pray you’ll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother’s prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she’ll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother’s prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her with your grace
Give her faith so she’ll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she’ll be safe

 

*Lyrics to “The Prayer” by David Foster / Carole Bayer Sager.  Here’s a link to Celine Dion’s beautiful rendition:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNJBe5kZEjk

(Painting is “Woman at Window” by Holsoe)