Write them on the doorframes of your houses . . .

I raised them to be independent.  First jobs and buying their own shampoo and deodorant.  They pay their own insurance and cell phone bills and car notes.

They have never once broken curfew and they act responsibly - most of the time - and that has been my goal.

There's just one problem with such independent children.

You go from this right around the corner from your bed . . .

To their sights and smells away from here.

Delia called home before they signed the papers and said she felt sick.  Hot and sweating and Mama, I may cry.

I replied,

Nerves, it's just nerves, baby.  It's normal.

Then I said this,

You can always just stay home.

Oh, Mama.

Ok, so I said the wrong thing.  Nobody's perfect.

Then there was this . . .

Just look at those smiles.

I think I'll sign off now, go have a good cry, and pray I've done my job well.

 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.  Deuteronomy 11:18-20