Make it stop!
By that, I mean the clock.
My daughter is just two days away from leaving for college and I know this sounds cliche, but where did the time go? I can still remember her first day of kindergarten like it was yesterday, so how is it possible it was 12 years ago instead?
It was difficult when my oldest son left for college two years ago, but there is something different about my daughter leaving. To be clear, I love all my children and embrace each one for their differences - but having a daughter in a house full of testosterone has been like having our own special sorority. She gets my silliness and can, in fact, match it. She is a dear and faithful friend and I will miss having her in my house on a day to day basis. She is lovely on every level and anyone who gets to know her in college will be forever changed for the better.
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled and excited for her to begin college and I know this is part of life and 'letting go' but it's so very difficult and selfishly, I'm very sad. I know eventually the sadness will be replaced with happier emotions as she finds success and happiness of her own on her own, but it will truly take some time. It is not easy to send your child to college. It's a very bittersweet endeavor indeed.
I'd like to imagine my daughter as a butterfly as she flutters into this next facet of her life and pass on some lessons we can all learn from such creatures:
Let go of the past...
Trust the future...
Embrace change...
Come out of the cocoon...
Ride the breeze...
Savor the flowers...
Put on your brightest colors...
Let your beauty show.
To my beautiful daughter, you are a blessing to me every day and I love you with all my heart.
Love, Mom
