Seems most of the pictures I've captured of T recently are of the back of her, walking away from me. That was the case with the photo I took once she passed through airport security, on her way to her gate, when her summer journey began in June. Then there is the picture above - that's T and her boy (did we give him a nickname?) - taken a few weeks ago when I was fortunate enough to visit her in Seattle.

This is what, "c'mon Mom, I'll give you a tour of camp" looks like when your child is 17 and in love.

All summers must end, however, and this one is no exception. T is ending a three-hour layover in Minnesota as I type, and an airplane will deliver her home to us in just a few hours. For now, at least, she will return home to me. A temporary state of affairs, to be sure, but one for which I am grateful.