all of those times when I noticed my mom getting teary-eyed. I never understood why she was so sensitive about things, like the Hallmark card commercial, or the wedding on television. But I'm beginning to understand it now. Before I was a mom, I never knew I could feel so deeply about another human being.

It's been a gradual process. I remember the first time my husband and I went away for an overnight trip and left the kids with my mom at our house. I was choked up as soon as we got into the car, and cried when we left. Then, my son started preschool, and after I got him dressed, made his lunch, and got his backpack ready, I started bawling like a little baby. It didn't stop until after he was at school. Books that I read where bad things happen to little children trigger tears, and when I landed on the movie "Father on the Bride" while channel-surfing the other day, it brought tears to my eyes to think of MY babies growing up and getting married.

Today my son is taking his first trip away from home, staying the night at grandma's (my mom's) house. I thought I was ready for this. He was so excited, getting his things together, talking about going to grandma's house. I was even looking forward to it a little, as he had been especially mean to his little sister this week and I think they both needed a break from each other. But when it was time to go, and as I got him buckled into his carseat and loaded my mom's car with his things, I got choked up again. So many things went through my mind... Will he be OK? Will he miss me? Will he sleep alright? Will he behave and do what grandma says? Will his sister miss him? Will their drive be safe? What am I going to do with him not here?...... It was all I could do to keep from sobbing as I kissed him goodbye. They waved as they left. I went in the house and cried.