The one thing that struck me that I heard over and over was this is going to be just as much for you as your racer. I know that but was unsure what that looks like. (My fears of not being good enough start bubbling up… Will I change enough to reach my racer where she will be when she gets home?) Hearing other parents worries and stories was helpful!
We said our sad goodbyes. I got on a bus for the airport with parents from the team. We talked the whole way to the airport. I got off the bus alone. (They all were on other airlines) I walked through the airport alone. Through security alone. I felt so alone. Even though I am sure I looked like a train wreck no one could see the hurt inside. (As I had been crying all day) The lump in my throat that was getting bigger by the minute. I wanted to yell, I just left my daughter and I feel all alone!!!!! I boarded the plane alone. Never having flown by myself before I was nervous. I found my seat and prepared to cry for the next 3 hours. I read my note from my racer. Tears free flowing. Then the rain started 2 minutes before lift off sorry folks there is lightening in the area. Seriously!!!!! I just wanted to go home. The rain cleared fairly quickly. We took off. (Praying the whole time of course. ) I hate take offs and here I am alone.
Nope not alone ever in this aloneness that I was feeling!! I looked out my window and saw a rainbow! God keeps His promises to us. He has my precious child in HIS hands! The tears stopped. He has this! I was able to snap a picture but by the time I could tell the woman next to me that I had seen a rainbow it was gone. I know that was meant for me!
Then the music on the in flight entertainment spoke words of hope and encouragement to me. Mercy Me’s “Welcome to the New.” This is the “new” the new journey in our lives. Song after song….New Lease on Life…Dear Younger Me..Welcome to the New…Wishful Thinking…(not a fitting title for this song and the words it spoke to me). What a blessing!! He was speaking to me!
So Welcome to the New!!!
Ps Mom is fine too!

Heather”