This morning, on the way to school to drop my 9 y/o daughter, I was reminded that there is always a bright side.

You see, in a few months, I am about to embark on an extended year long work trip. This will be the longest I have ever been gone from her and she is already feeling all the feelings. She told me that she CAN wait for me to leave (she emphasized the can). Then she went on to say that the only thing she is happy about is that she may get a phone “phone.” I ensured her that was not a guarantee.