Leaving home

My daughter left home last night
with a $20 bill and a 31 day bus pass
with a kiss on the cheek and a hug to keep her warm
her father drove her
away from the home she's always known
the prior 17 years of her life
away to her requested destination
a new life with her friends
the people who understand her
the people who lift her up
the people who replace us
I told her I love you
and she said I love you too mom
I love you unconditionally.