The zipping of suitcases. An exciting sound. A work-related sound. A happy vacation sound. Or a sad sound. At least it was to me that Tuesday morning. That sound signaled the end of three wonderful days and nights with our kids and grands from S. A. here in the house. Oh, we’ll see them again soon, and often over the next several weeks as they are here in the States for over a month. But there is nothing like having them in your house. The house where one of them grew up, played, occasionally annoyed his siblings, jogged to school, learned about life before going off to make his own place in the world.

And now he has. Beautiful family, partner owner of a family business, strong godly father, and a sense of humor rivaled only by his brothers. Loves adventure, can make a field trip out of the most routine of errands, the perfect combination of compassion, fun and a little responsibility thrown in for good measure.

It’s been so great to have them here. A daughter-in-law who is much more daughter than in-law, she is a close friend and an amazing mother to her three. Delicate as a flower, but strong as super glue when it comes to matters of faith, principle, honor and love. Especially mother love. A strength that will be tested greatly when the oldest remains in the States to attend university and the rest of the family flies back. Fortunately there is FaceTime, Skype, SMS and WhatsApp to stay connected, and no technology is needed to bridge the span of a mother’s love. Parenting – the one job where success means you’ve worked yourself out of a job.

Another zip. Another suitcase placed outside a bedroom door in the hallway, ready to be loaded into the truck. I summon strength of my own, knowing that the final zip is not yet here. I need to relish the moment, not borrow sorrow from a future day. Time to rejoin them in the kitchen, time to have another lovely chat with my daughter, time to enjoy the teenagers playing games and being close while they are all still together. Today is about laughter and love and plans for the weekend. A happy vacation zip.