In about 2 hours, we will be leaving with our daughter to move her into the college dorm.
It’s hard to believe the time has gone by so quickly.
I can remember lots of things. The evening before our daughter was born, we stopped by a grilled chicken place and had a light dinner. It was the last time we ate out as a couple. At midnight, labor started. Just before 5:30am we left for the hospital. Seven hours later, we were a family.
I remember the feeling of awe looking at her in the little plastic basket on the scale. I remember looking at her tiny fingers, toes, nose, eyes and ears. I remember her cry sounding like a tiny kitten. I remember the excitement of all four brand new grandparents.
We have a picture of our daughter getting on the bus for the first day of kindergarten. The last day of 8th grade, we have a picture of her getting off of the same bus. This time, my wife was driving the bus.
Driving lessons. Driving test. First car crash..thankfully a very minor one. Prom. boyfriend. High school graduation.
And now, a bit more than 18-1/2 years after it started, college. We raised her to be a hard worker, unafraid of showing her intelligence, capabilities and confidence and I hope it carries her far . While we will still be offering “life lessons”, we will no longer be center stage.
This is how it always has been and how it should be.
