This ending gets me every.single.time. As Kelle Hampton says in the video “The alternative to them not calling home and being homesick means that they don’t have the opportunity to go away…and I just can’t accept the alternative.”
What I learned through this whole experience was the best we can do is have that expectation, foster that independence as early as possible, and give them the tools they will need the best we can so they can go and be their best selves…and trust that when the time comes to let go they will be ready, armed with the knowledge needed to get out there and chase their dreams. Will it be easy? Clearly there will be tears on both sides. Will it be for the best? Only time will tell if Ruby decides to take that path, but whatever she decides to do I hope to give her the heaviest toolbox I can find.