That’s my daughter on the right with her twin brother, looking out over the mountains of Western Massachusetts – goofing on one another, no doubt.
She arrived at school for her first semester of her sophomore year today. I sent her off this morning with a full tank of gas, repaired tires and a cooler bag of food I had prepared just for her. She left so, so many articles of clothing behind, strewn all over her room. Another Herculean cleaning task awaits me in there.
But I am stricken with melancholy, knowing that she won’t be home to annoy us for another three months. I miss her already.
It never gets easier when your babies leave the nest – no matter how many times it happens, no matter how old they are, no matter for what purpose.
I know, though, that she is conscientious, considerate, and determined. She is surrounded by friends and people who will help her do well. She will be careful and safe. And all I need to do is be available for her whenever she needs me. Even if she doesn’t. Here’s to my daughter, forging her path.
I’m still sad, though.
