It’s that time of year when kids fly the coop; off to college or out on their own. Today, a special treat from a mom whose heart rejoices and grieves at the same time. Guest writer Katie Nicodemus, reaches out to us from the nation of Madagascar. Enjoy.
by Katie Nicodemus
Today my daughter leaves and there goes half my heart.
Her smile has brought me joy even from the very start.
To see her play at ‘dress up’, to act and dance and sing
to making friends so easily, was such a happy thing.
And then she grew up taller, still fanciful and fun
but smart and oh, so beautiful, her smile just like the sun!
Fasting for her friends and writing on her blog,
adventurous, and spiritual, writing poems to her God.
Loved by friends and family, most happy in a crowd
but content to be alone and sing to God out loud.
Now, filled with joy, but serious. Aware of what’s in store
She moves along most prayerfully, seeking God for more.
Lord, keep her and protect her and guide her everyday.
Jesus, use her, meet her, bless her, and clearly light her way.
She’s been my joy and blessing from the very start,
Today my daughter leaves and there goes half my heart.
I love you Sarah.
Katie Nicodemus: Katie and her husband Steve have been missionaries in Madagascar since 2009. She turned 50 in April and is now an ’empty nester’. Her two grown children, daughter-in-law, and toddling grandson live in America. “Song writing and poetry are my creative outlets and my hobbies are reading, exercising, and baking. (Hence, the need for the exercising.)”
A native of Southern California, she also lived in Arizona, and for three anda half years, served as a missionary in Romania.
Katie,
Your gift of poetry used to honor God is admirable. This has touched my heart even though my daughter left home for college over 15 years ago. The blessing is that a daughter never really leaves you. Praying for you during this time of transition. Peggy
Such a beautiful poem. I am so taken by how much Sarah looks like you. I first met you when you weren’t a whole lot older than she is now. How God shines through you both. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.
Katie-I know the feeling. On September 17th, My husband and I will drop our youngest son off at TBI(Texas Bible Institute). I praise God every day for his faith and how he’s grown in the Lord and I know he is in God’s hands, but it’s still so hard to say goodbye! Our prayers are that he finds God’s will for his life and never loses his zeal and fire for his Lord and serving him. When my 32 year old graduated and went to Oral Roberts University, I drove her up there with all her things and drove home by myself. I think I cried all the way home from Oklahoma to Texas. I don’t plan on doing that this time, at least not all the way home!
Lynn,
Well, we cried when we left them at Kindergarten. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised to cry when they go to college! ha ha!
Thanks for the nice comments, ladies!
Katie,
Beautiful, so reminded me of the day we took our daughter to college.
Katie, loved your poem! You captured your special daughter so well in your words. Now i know where she gets her gift of writing.