Milestones

Today, my oldest daughter reached another major milestone in her life. She started college classes. Although she is a junior in high school, she will be taking 2 college courses a semester until she graduates in 2 years. These are full college classes at our local community college. The students and professors will not know that she is still in high school. Last week, we went and found her classrooms together along with the library and lounge areas for her to hang out in between classes. We have been preparing her for this day like all other milestones in her life since the day she was born.

I was taken by surprise this afternoon when I found myself with small tears on my face after she left the car. I did not know it would be so hard to drop her off on a small community college campus and watch her go off to this new phase in her life. Mary has been home schooled her whole life and although she has been going to home school cooperative for many years, this was much different. I saw a little glimpse of what it must feel like to send your 5-6 year old off to school for the first time. I am glad for the time we have had together during her growing up years.

Milestones can be bittersweet. It is great to see your child accomplish new skills and independence but deep down there is that feeling that time is passing way too fast. Mary is a wonderfully bright, mature young lady and I am confident that she will do well in this setting. Part of me, though, still sees the vulnerable little girl inside of her. I know there will be many more milestones and I like forward to each one. I also know that I will continue to let go and give her the independence she needs to be a responsible mature adult some day.