Lutheran Hills

Mary has been going to Lutheran Hills Church Camp since she was 5 years old. The first couple of years were only 2 nights and when she got a little older a whole week. I cannot believe I just made my last trip to take her to church camp. Next year, she will be too old.

Chuck and I were both camp counselors when we were in college. We both felt very committed to the fact that our children should have this experience. We have been able to fulfill this commitment. The only year Mary missed is when she was recovering from a mild head injury. This experience has deepened her faith and been a part of who she has become.

Next year, Mary is hoping to follow our footsteps and become a counselor. She has talked about doing it for years. I hope that it is a goal that she can obtain. I feel she would be an excellent addition to the staff (I admit though I am a little impartial). Time will tell.

Today, once again reinforced how fast time has flown. It is scary as a parent knowing that in a year she will probably be leaving home. It is sometimes hard to let go but I know that it is a necessary and important part of parenting. I know that she will be ready for this next stage in her life when it gets here..She has grown into a fine young lady that I am very proud to call my daughter.

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.