I’ve been MIA from this project the last couple of months because, ironically, life was moving too quickly for me to document anything personal with my camera. I’m happy to be back this month with this incredible group of photographers.
The day I had been both looking forward to and dreading for over a year happened just last month. We took our firstborn, our only daughter, to her first year of college. Our first chick has left the nest. There has been an inner battle happening inside me for so long over this milestone. On the one hand I was so excited for her to start a new chapter in her life. I remember my college years being some of my favorite memories of new found freedom and new friends, learning to navigate a vast campus, football games and professors, roommates and very very late nights. Realizing that, yes, I did need to go to class if I wanted to pass it. Scraping together enough change at the end of the month for a packet of Ramen and a box of cereal.
I wanted those experiences for her.
But on the other hand I knew the void that would be left in my heart. I worried that I hadn’t taught her enough life skills. Did she know how to do laundry, cook a meal, find her way to the pharmacy, navigate public transportation? Of course the answer was, yes, she’s always been mature for her age and fiercely independent. Did we instill in her the values that would bring her happiness? Would she follow our lead or chart her own course through life? And what would I do when I needed to hear how her day was, needed to know if I could wear denim on denim, needed to hug her and wish her a goodnight? Needed that physical contact that only a mother understands. I knew those were the things that I would struggle with. And I was right. When you love someone so much, it’s hard to let them go.
But I am oh so proud of her. She is a beautiful person with heaps of potential to do good in the world. As I wipe my tears, I look forward to hearing all of the stories that are being made and that will be made this year. I’m anxious to watch where life will lead my sweet girl.
Enjoy “What Taking our Daughter to College Looks Like” this month.
And I hope you’ll continue through our little circle this month to glimpse life through the lens of these incredible photographers and friends starting with Summer Murdock.
Oh, Wendy, I have big tears flooding down my face. I remember the day my own parents dropped me off like it was yesterday..and I wonder, how in the world time goes by so fast? College is such a great time, so many memories to be made and I know when this day comes for us , it will be so hard…so hard. Big hugs!! I hope she has a wonderful first year!!
Tears from me too and my babies are only 4 and 1- I can barely imagine leaving them at school everyday let alone college! Beautiful photos and best wishes to you and your daughter!
Wendy, I can’t imagine how incredibly bittersweet that must have been sweetheart! BIG kudos. You can tell what an independent strong spirit she has. She is very blessed to have you in her corner, and I know she will do wonderful. I know this must be such a surreal experience for your family. Tugs at my heart strings. Lots of love mama!
It’s crazy because as a Mom of small kids it’s seems like this day will never come for me…yet my oldest is almost 11..thats only a few years from becoming a teenager..this day will come so soon…I got a lump in my throat reading this and looking at your gorgeous daughter…knowing how many amazing experiences she is going to have..and your attitude about it shows just how much you love her…this is what parenthood is all about right? Raising them to be well adjusted adults who are independent and can do good things in the world…you should be proud of yourself too Wendy! Love this post!
This is so sweet. Can’t fathom the amount of emotions I’ll be feeling when my own leave the next!
I am just bawling… you should be proud, Wendy!!
Oh Wendy I can’t even imagine how it will feel when this day comes for me. It’s so sad to see our little chicks grow up,a nd way to quickly at that. Hopefully she will make it home for lots of visits, she will have a blast!
I’m not gonna lie- this scares me a little. 🙂 What a huge milestone, so eloquently captured.
What a heartfelt post! So perfectly documented. So glad you have captured this important milestone. It’s a HUGE one. I feel for you. But know that your post ROCKS and you can always look at these and smile when you miss her.
ahh, to live in a box again with posters tacked to the wall with puddy, twinkle lights, sharing a tiny space with a roommmate and all the best memories to be made. So glad she has a mama who documents this time for her!