You would’ve thought I was sending you off to college.

The way I triple-checked to make sure you had everything you needed and reminded you about the little things like brushing your teeth and drinking plenty of water about a thousand times.

You would’ve thought I was sending you to live on your own.

The way I hugged you tight and had to fight back some tears. The way you paused before leaving just to smile at me. The way I kept thinking about that boyish grin all the way home.

The way I kept thinking about how you’re looking more and more like a man.

You would’ve thought I was sending you on a plane across the ocean.

But it’s just summer camp. 

And it’s just my heart getting used to these growing pains.

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It’s just that when you bring a life into this world, you’re never left the same.

And whether it’s an hour away or an ocean away, several nights away feel like forever.

We shot our invisible Spiderman webs to each other before I drove away. And my heart’s like that string, grasping every little thing to hold onto until we’re together.

Your laughter, your bear hugs, your goofy jokes, your deep questions.

Sometimes you only realize the treasures when they aren’t within your grasp.

You would’ve thought I was sending you to college . . . but it’s just summer camp.

It’s not a passport stamp.

Will it get easier than this? I don’t know, but I don’t want to blink and miss this precious time with you.

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You’ll be different when you get back. It always happens like that. You’ll look older and taller and be full of your very own adventures to tell.

And I know it’s so very small in light of all the adventures beyond this. And I’m so grateful I’ve had all this time to love you so much to miss you so much.

It’s OK for hearts to break a bit so they can be shared.

And I hope you make so many memories at summer camp.

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Stephanie Kramm

I'm a wife and homeschool mama of four adventurous boys and two miscarried babies I look forward to holding in Heaven. I enjoy music, art, and rare quiet moments in nature with a book and some chai. My Master’s is in counseling and I am passionate about advocating for at-risk women and children around the globe. I’m a contributing writer for the facebook pages Snips & Snails & Warrior Tales and this mere breath.

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