A friend writes of helping her daughter move out of state, writes of the empty space she anticipates this will leave in her home and her life. I recall a conversation we had a few months ago when we spoke of this daughter, a beautiful young woman in her early 20’s, an only child who was living at home after college, working and beginning to make her way in the world. At that point in time, her mother was both grateful she was still at home, but also just a little concerned, knowing it is important for young people to find their independence, to have a life of their own apart from their parents.

“I don’t want her to move out, not really,” my friend said, “but at the same time I feel as if she should.”