Jessica Leaves for BYU

With her parents

This morning came way too early and I feel there were so many things left undone or unsaid.  I can't believe Jessica left today for BYU.  It seems she just got here and that we had all the time in the world ... then all of the sudden ... it's the morning of the day she flies back to college.

at the airport

We all stayed up late last night since it was New Year's Eve.  We enjoyed ourselves but didn't do anything special (Robert and Marissa were gone at the church dance and then at the O'Briens for an after dance party).  Jessica was tired after packing and visiting with friends all day so we just watched movies and relaxed.  I should have taken that time to have some better time talking - then maybe right now I wouldn't feel like she left without me having a chance to do more with her or just talk more.

We all love this girl

So, as I was saying, we woke up and got ready, Making Jessica her requested breakfast of a ham and cheese omelet.  Avery Pryor came over to be part of the send off.  We all (Robert, Marissa, Avery, Mark and I) left for the airport at 9:20 (a little later than expected, my fault) but didn't think anything of it.  Usually there aren't any lines to speak of at Louisville Airport, but today - oh my goodness - the line for Southwest was soooooooo long.  It took 20 minutes to get through the check-in line and then another 10 minutes to get to the point of security.  We were all just joking around and talking while waiting in line with Jessica when all of the sudden, it was like, "oh my gosh, she's next in line to hand her boarding pass ... we need to get out of line ... oh my gosh, that means this is goodbye ... wait ... I didn't get to say goodbye properly."  We all hugged her, but it was rushed and hurried.  She liked it that way, less tears!  She was off, again.

Jessica with Robert, Avery and Marissa

I love her so much, it was so hard to see her go.  I've loved having her home and feeling the sweet spirit she brings to our family.  But ... this is right and good.  This is where she should be and doing what she should be doing.  We watched her go through security and head off towards the gate before we left.  (Mark and I always do that).

Jessica, what's with the tongue

Mom, staying positive

Dad, getting sad

Avery

Saying goodbye to Robert

Saying Goodbye to Avery

Saying goodbye to mom

Saying goodbye to Marissa