I knew the time was approaching and soon my daughter would move away from home. I had been preparing her all her life, teaching her how to cook and how to shop. Letting her have responsibilities. She learned to manage her money from summer jobs. I knew she was mature enough to be on her own but I wasn't ready for what was coming my way.

On June 10th, 2006 My daughter announced on my anniversary night that she was in love! The words blurted out of her mouth so fast that I must've looked dumbfounded. I closed my mouth and looked at her in disbelief, after all, she was the quiet, stay at home, read a book, play her X Box type of girl. How could this be happening? Catching my senses again she shoves the phone to my ear introducing her boyfriend. I glanced at her, she was smiling this wondrous smile that filled my heart with joy. The love she was feeling at this time bubbled around her making her glow. I looked at her and saw the love that I felt for her father at her age. I knew I couldn't keep her from this and soon she would be making a long trip to meet her boyfriend.

She had met Jarrett on X Box. They were friends for a long time. One day, while they were saying their good nights Jarrett told her "I Love You" she felt herself getting nervously clumsy and said I love you too then turned off her X Box. After 1 year of them dating on X Box Rachael traveled 890 miles by bus to visit him during Christmas break. She stayed with him in their home for nearly three weeks. On her way home she became depressed as she was leaving him. It was then that she called me and started talking about moving away, and she wasn't even home yet. I told her we would work it out.

A few months had passed. Both Rachael and Jarrett were miserable. Jarrett's mom and I had talked it over and know that the kids were ready to run away if they couldn't be together. We both wanted them to continue their education and become what they had planned before meeting. Jarrett is going to become a pharmacist and Rachael wants to work in Education or Art. After planning and consideration we both agreed that they would live together in Texas. I thought that she would finish out the school year here but she had other ideas as did the family in Texas.

On March 10th Jarrett arrived in Alabama. He stayed one week. Together the two of them were leaving Alabama by Greyhound Bus. All of our family from Alabama met at our house for a picnic lunch before noon. Most everyone said their goodbyes and then our family loaded into the van to the bus station. The mood was somber and tears were shedding. Tommy, Rachael's younger brother clung to her as she waited to get on the bus. The luggage was loaded and passengers boarded the bus. Carefully we watched them through the tinted windows on the coach. She found her seat and waved from behind the dark glass. The bus began to move and she blew us kisses as it pulled away. The sobbing was low toned as each of us tried to contain ourself. Then a voice billowed a prayer as the bus exited our sight.

Its been almost three weeks now. Her move has effected our family in various ways. Tommy has started saving money in a tin can to pay for her to come home again for a visit. He has helped mow his grandma's yard and collected the mail for her. He waits for her to come on X Box Live everyday so he can visit with her and play games where he can see the character his sister has and interacts with her in games. They talk back and forth through their headsets and use strategy to play together. It helps him to feel as if he has been on a visit that way.

Learn more about this author, Alisa Mantall.
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