Last month Caitlin and I took a mini vacation together. We visited a vineyard and spent the night in a quaint Bed and Breakfast in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Thomas Jefferson founded the impressive University of Virginia almost 200 years ago.

The winery was located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. After our wine tasting, we bought a bottle of our favorite and took it out on the patio to enjoy in the bright sunshine. I sat there reveling in Caitlin's delightful company, marveling at the majestic surroundings, and thanking God that I live in "America the Beautiful."

When we left the vineyard we drove with the windows down, taking in the fragrant mountain air and singing loudly along to Taylor Swift. A joyful thankfulness engulfed me, not only for the means to spend this time together, but that in this season of Caitlin's life she is free to get away with me, that she wants to get away with me. My throat constricted with emotion as I thought that in this particular moment in time, if Caitlin could choose her mom, she would pick me. She would pick me!! I was afraid to voice the thought lest I start sobbing and ruin it, but I will cherish that memory for the rest of my life.