Usually my husband and I get together with friends for a few drinks on a Saturday night.
Not tonight. Tonight is the night before we send our oldest daughter off to college. Although, she is out with her friends and we could have snuck away ~ I just didn't feel like it.
Oh YES. My daughter and I have had some "rough" teenage years. I thought that might make this moment a bit easier, but guess what? It doesn't. I am so sad that she is leaving tomorrow. I just can't believe that 18 years could have gone by so quickly.
I am both excited and nervous for her. It brings back my own memories of when I went away to college. I remember my parents pulling away and the tears rolling down my face. In one minutes time, they were gone and I was left on my own. My saving grace was that my best friend who I had grown up with my entire life was right there with me - my roommate. I was not really alone.
Unfortunately, my daughter doesn't have that. She is going to meet her roommate tomorrow when they move in together. Complete strangers, from totally different backgrounds. I worry that they may not get along - I worry that she may need me to help get her books, to rearrange her schedule before classes start. What if she needs a notebook, a pencil, a toothbrush? What if she is so scared and lonely? so many What if's..... and so many worries.
Eighteen years of her life sit in a pile in my garage at the moment. I look at this pile, and although it breaks my heart ~ it also warms my heart for the bright future that she has ahead of her. We will pack her life into the car in the morning and embark on the 90 minute drive to East Lansing.....
Part of me thinks my job is done, but I know a parent's job is never done. It is just a new phase ~ an ending and a beginning. One I will face when I wake up tomorrow morning!
Not tonight. Tonight is the night before we send our oldest daughter off to college. Although, she is out with her friends and we could have snuck away ~ I just didn't feel like it.
Oh YES. My daughter and I have had some "rough" teenage years. I thought that might make this moment a bit easier, but guess what? It doesn't. I am so sad that she is leaving tomorrow. I just can't believe that 18 years could have gone by so quickly.
I am both excited and nervous for her. It brings back my own memories of when I went away to college. I remember my parents pulling away and the tears rolling down my face. In one minutes time, they were gone and I was left on my own. My saving grace was that my best friend who I had grown up with my entire life was right there with me - my roommate. I was not really alone.
Unfortunately, my daughter doesn't have that. She is going to meet her roommate tomorrow when they move in together. Complete strangers, from totally different backgrounds. I worry that they may not get along - I worry that she may need me to help get her books, to rearrange her schedule before classes start. What if she needs a notebook, a pencil, a toothbrush? What if she is so scared and lonely? so many What if's..... and so many worries.
On the other hand, I am sure that these will be some of the best times of her life. She has worked very hard to get into the school that she has always wanted to attend. She will grow into an even more beautiful and mature person. I am confident that she will embrace these times and make the best of her education. These are the things that I will focus on. These are the things that make me able to let her go.
Eighteen years of her life sit in a pile in my garage at the moment. I look at this pile, and although it breaks my heart ~ it also warms my heart for the bright future that she has ahead of her. We will pack her life into the car in the morning and embark on the 90 minute drive to East Lansing.....Part of me thinks my job is done, but I know a parent's job is never done. It is just a new phase ~ an ending and a beginning. One I will face when I wake up tomorrow morning!
Good Luck at Michigan State Brianna We love you and we will always be here whenever you need us!!!
1 comment:
I have heard so many wonderful things about MSU, and I am sure she will have the time of her life!! What a proud moment for you guys!
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