Today is the Day.

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.