This post: To My Precious Daughter Leaving for College: This is a New Chapter for Us Both
Written by: Ali Flynn
I never thought being a mom would tug at my heartstrings as often as it does, but as I count down the days until my daughter leaves for college, my heart is being pulled in so many directions.
My precious girl…
Our days are numbered, there I said it.
I don’t want to admit it, but it’s true.
I have just a handful more days when I can see you each day, tuck you in at night, and close my eyes knowing you’re safe and sound right down the hall from me.
I know I will always be your mom and we will forever be connected, but my gosh, this all happened too fast. They said it would. Others warned me. Still… my heart isn’t prepared.
It feels like yesterday you were born…
You were just budding teeth and babbling while laying in my lap gazing up into my eyes.
You were just beginning to take your first steps ready to explore your new world.
You were just learning your first words, splashing in the tub and looking at life around you bright-eyed and curious.
And, in what seems like a blink, this chapter in your life is ending and a new chapter is about to begin.
Your journey may be wobbly at first, just as your first steps were a little shaky. But if you remember that my hand is always holding yours and that you’re never alone, you’ll find your strength and resilience just like you did when you were young.
Just like you did when you were little, you’ll be taking each step on your own, walking down the path intended for you with your beautiful spirit, inherent kindness, and your head held high.
This is your new chapter, baby girl.
A chapter filled with joy and possibility, hope and light, love and a multitude of opportunities.
A chapter waiting, with bated breath, for our cherished days to come to an end so the new one can begin.
A journey intended solely for you. But maybe for me, too.
A journey for you to navigate with me always by your side cheering you on.
A journey filled with profound possibilities, new experiences and plenty of lessons about life and love.
A journey that will carry you and help you embrace all that is yet to come in your future.
A journey guiding you toward who you will become while harnessing all that you are, all that you’ve experienced and all that you’ve accomplished leading up to this very moment.
A journey with questions and maybe a little confusion, a few bumps in the road and beautiful, colorful scenery ahead.
A journey you will always remember.
But, until then… this heart of mine needs to pause. It needs to cherish these moments, savor the memories and slow down the next 128 days.
I need to soak it all in; soak in YOU.
Soak in your laugh when you’re talking with your girlfriends on the phone.
Soak in your clothes strewn all over your bed as you try on outfits looking for the perfect one.
Soak in your messy bathroom, the smell of your perfume and the sound of your favorite music.
Soak in the way you come into the kitchen and steal a taste of whatever is cooking on the stove.
Soak in the honest conversations we share in the car that offer me more insight into your hopes and dreams.
Soak in your warmth as you gently kiss my cheek and tell me you love me.
Soak in your pure-hearted compassion for all those you love.
Soak in each hug and each kiss goodnight.
My heart is telling me that 128 isn’t enough time…
How can I possibly cherish all those beautiful memories and relish this time with you – all of you in just 128 days?
The answer is, I can’t.
Our love is based on so much more than numbered days and weeks, and our connection runs deeper than the fleeting moments I try to clench tightly in my hand.
You see, the days living in the same house with you in my tender care may be numbered, but my days as your mom aren’t. For each day your breath graces this earth, I will be traveling alongside you… forever constant.
For a mother’s love never loses its grip and never really lets go.
A mother’s love only grows deeper just as the roots of a tree, with each passing year, geting stronger and deeper, often pushing through the ground for added support.
We may not be side by side each day in the near future, but our souls are bound together just as our once beating hearts danced in sync as you grew within my womb.
And, as you find your way in your life, our lives may not always feel connected, but take comfort in knowing I’m never far away, I’m always here… just a phone call or text away.
128 days is not the end, my dear. It is a new beginning… one I silently hope and pray you allow me to share with you.
A new chapter to explore and grow.
A new chapter to live and learn.
A new chapter to love and find yourself.
So as this chapter slowly nears a close, I know these 128 days are only a snippet of time in your glorious life.
My precious daughter leaving for college, as the pages of your life continue to turn, as one chapter ends and another begins, I hope you always feel my love firmly and forever embedded within your heart and soul.
About Ali Flynn:
Ali Flynn is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of motherhood with an open heart, laughter, and some tears. Ali is a monthly guest contributor for Westchester County Moms and has been seen on Filter Free Parents, Grown and Flown, Today Parents, The Mighty, Her View From Home, and His View From Home, where she shares inspirational stories about motherhood while keeping it real. You can also find her on Facebook or Instagram.