Monday, April 2, 2012

I am SO not ready for this...

Okay, I know I joke about getting my daughter through college and out of this house. My husband and I whine, when is it our time? But this morning, she asked me to drop her off for orientation, something about not wanting to find a place to park. So I did, not dressed in my Sunday best, and she saw that some parents were staying. She looked at me and said, "Good going, Mom." She was just joking, but my heart sank. As I pulled away, I was holding back tears and trying to rationalized that she is 18 and needs to start doing these things on her own. It took all for me not to go home, get dressed properly, and drive back. (We only live 5 minutes from college) But I didn't. So for those of you who have gone through it, how do you do it? My heart aches every time I look at this picture.


Hope you have a blessed week!

Dani

9 comments:

Heidi said...

I feel for you. I dread when that time comes for me.

Mary Jo said...

Ok - I haven't gone through it yet. And am not sure how I will survive it.
I get choked up just thinking of Erin starting kindergarten next year. And how she is not a "baby" any more.
And Evan is heading into double digits in May. Ten! When did that happen? It just seems like it is all going by to fast.
I guess when I have those moments like you did driving away and holding back tears, I try to just tell myself I am doing something right! That the only thing we can do is love them unconditionally and be the best parents we can be :)

She is beautiful, Dani! :)

Unknown said...

Awww what a lovely parent you are ! and your daughter is so lovely.
Sadly I dont have children, but I can just imagine how you feel. They have to grow up and all you can do is " be there for them ".
Hugs Elaine

Sharla said...

I have two more years until my baby graduates and it's been hard for me to realize how fast she is growing up. My dd is still a little shy about certain things and needs a little hand holding, but I need to start letting her do things on her own too....it's hard, not sure how to handle it. Good luck!

Mary Pat Siehl said...

oh i can only imagine what you are feeling!! what a beautiful young daughter you have!!!

Cori in W. Texas said...

Ahh, you did the right thing!!! I have three in college now so I totally get it!!!! But, you've taught her to be independent and capable and now it is her time to soar. YOU'VE DONE GOOD!!!!! Just think about how much more you will enjoy being with her when you have a little break :) Bless you and yes, it DOES get easier.

Tammy said...

Ah, I hope it gets easier for you! I don't have children either but speaking as an independent child, I so appreciated that my parents didn't hover. It meant so much more to me that they let me go and do my own thing while always knowing they were there to catch me if I stumbled. I gained so much strength in myself knowing they believed in me, but being able to do it on my own and make my own decisions. It allowed me to grow into a capable adult. You are doing the right thing, though I know it must be so hard. Hugs!

scrappymo! said...

It is hard to let them go, but that is the whole point of childraising isn't it...Teaching them, and guiding them through untill they have the experience and confidence to know they can do it on their own!

I 'm sure she did great and you are proud of that! She is so beautiful...I can see a lovely resemblance there...I bet you looked very similar when you were her age.

Tracy said...

I have 3 daughters one went to college and is now looking for a house of her own, one didn't want to further her education and my youngest is in her second last year of high school.
I doesn't get easier. I wish that time would slow down a bit.
Good luck to you.