It was the day
we had all been
...anticipating...
The day
my LollipopGirl
left for
...college...
We packed all her
...belongings...
into
the vehicle...
...and headed out.
But first...
we had a
...send off breakfast...
...where the siblings
reminded Lauren
how much they love her
by
poking and prodding her
until our food arrived.
After breakfast, we hit the road
for a two and a half hour trip.
Upon check in,
we went up to see
the new
...third floor...
living space
...and then...
the
unloading
unpacking
arranging
stacking
shifting
rearranging
hanging
banging
and
building
...began...
...and...
all of that work
can really
tire a person out
...but after Michael's nap,
Lauren got to try out her bed
and
put up her door decoration
...then...
we trekked down to
the
...family BBQ...
where Lauren expressed her
...frustration...
at all the pictures
and
...eventually refused to look
at the camera...
To bring an end to
...Move-in Day...
We prayed a blessing
over our
...Freshmen...
...and then...
we hugged our goodbyes
...and headed back home...
Later in the evening,
I found a
"tweet"
from
my LollipopGirl
a pic from the
"Candlelight Devotional"
I can't really put a finger on
all the emotions
I have felt.
Sad
is not what I would name them,
although it is a part of how I feel
...I miss my girl...
Worried
is not what I would call them, either,
although, I am concerned about her
(did we raise Lauren's bed too high,
did she hit her head because her bed
is too close to the ceiling...
what if she falls out of that bed?!)
Anxious
...isn't quite right...
Although, anxiety about finances runs high
and there is
anticipation about her bright future.
Excited
is a part of
my sentiments, but doesn't adequately
describe them.
Pride
is not the word I would use to identify
...all my feelings...
although
I am joyous over her achievements.
I think
if I were to try to
...put a name on all the feelings I am having...
they would be called
"Mom-otions"
This releasing of my Firstborn
into the world
is reminiscent of
all her other firsts
...first time away at Nanna and Papaw's...
...first time in daycare...
....first day of Kindergarten...
...first sleepover...
...first "Dad's weekend"...
...first camp...
...first mission trip...
but
it is also different from these moments
because this time
...I'm releasing her into...
adulthood
and
the tears I cry
are filled with
sadness
worries
anxiety
excitement
anticipation
pride
joy
elation
and
triumph
at
watching my girl
spread her wings
and
fly
and this MOMent...
...is a distant memory...
still close in my heart
Lauren,
I am proud of all you have accomplished.
You are a light in this world
and your
confidence
talent
strength
intellect
responsibility
purity
perseverance
respect for humankind
selflessness
priorities
motivation
initiative
and
love of God
will be your success
in this
great big world.
You are in your element
and
I can't wait to see
what God is going to do
through you.
May you always
...remember where you came from...
but never
...forget where you are going....
#rootsandwings
I love you.
Mom
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