Surprisingly, India said she wanted to go. She had heard from the seniors that it was actually fun. So we spent weeks buying all the necessary equipment. (Of course we had nothing unless you count toilet paper. Everything we had was banned — IPhone, IPod, makeup,  high heels, indoor plumbing, air conditioning. You get the idea). We bought a back pack, sleeping bag,  flash light, hiking  shoes, rain suit, etc. All the while, I expected her to change her mind. After all city girls do not pee in the woods!

But yesterday, promptly at 7:15 a.m. I dropped her off at school so she could get on the bus for the ride to Mt. Pisgah National Park. I had breakfast near the school just in case she had a  panic attack and decided going back home was the prudent course. After lingering over breakfast for three hours and no phone call, I went home. I still kept waiting for the phone to ring. I stayed up until midnight. I figured that sleeping on the ground would be the last straw.

Well it’s been over 24 hours and no phone call. I guess she will survive, and I should probably get on with my life and enjoy my week of freedom.

They say each generation should be better than the last. That is  certainly the case with us. I love life, but not in the woods. India lives life to the  fullest wherever she lands — even in the woods.

Fall in Love With Life, 60 x 72 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2008.