The miracle zinnia has died.
Andrew has returned to Oberlin.
Clare has left for her Big Adventure in the Northwest.
The zinnia had an incredibly long life — for a zinnia — so its demise doesn’t really bother me. Andrew’s permanent address continues to be the same as mine, and he can still legitimately call our house home. Clare, on the other hand, has moved out for good. She’ll probably continue to call Bethesda “home” for a while — I still sometimes say “I’m going home” when talking about visiting Elgin — but after a while this will be a place she once lived and where her mom and dad live.
I am truly grateful I had this summer with her (Andrew too, of course — but he’s not gone for good yet). I think we both were able to have some closure.
And no, I didn’t cry.
Clutch Cargo Lips 
Maybe the miracle zinnia was spiritually connected to Clare, and it died because she moved out.
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Could be, Jenny. It was, after all, the silver vase she received for a baptism present that it first took root.
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Ahhh. Growing up. Tough on parents, but so exiting for the young. Ad how wonderful that you don’t really have to worry about either of these two mature and intelligent (it seems to me) young people. Well, not more than the average mother anyway. ( iykwim)
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Thanks Mali — and I am honestly not worried about her (or Andrew). They will be fine. And so will Dean and I.
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I find the “exiting” typo above interesting.
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Heh — didn’t notice — but appropriate.
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