Bittersweet Goodbyes

It seems like only yesterday when my husband and I drove our to daughter to Pittsburgh for her freshman year of college. With the contents of 17 years of life taking up every inch of our mid-sized SUV, we made the 4 hour trek to campus. After the unloading and unpacking were complete, we did what we could to make her

dorm room feel like a "home away from home". That was four years ago. Now, in a little over five weeks, she will be graduating from college.

It almost doesn't seem possible. I still remember our little girl, on her first day of kindergarten. As a newly minted five year old, sporting a new outfit and a new backpack, she stepped onto the school bus that day with a confidence that put my mind at ease, as I silently waved goodbye from the sidewalk.

I've said my share of goodbyes over the years, as our children went out into the world. Whether it's that first day of kindergarten, youth summer camps or freshman year of college, goodbyes can be bittersweet. I felt this dichotomy more deeply after our oldest son boarded a plane a few years back, to start a new chapter in his life, thousands of miles away. As the remaining family members quietly navigated their way through the parking garage, I tried to be strong. However, once I was seated in our car, with the door closed snuggly beside me, I finally shed the tears I had held back for months.

As I frantically wiped the onslaught of tears that overtook me, I reflected over our son's reaction, moments before boarding his flight. Much like our daughter stepping onto the school bus that first day of kindergarten, he, too, was filled with a confidence, as he walked down the sterile corridor of the airport. I knew he was prepared for that next step in his life, and that put my mind at ease.

By the time we got back home that day, I came to realize our children will accomplish more away from home, than they will by staying in it. As each of our children have gone out into the world to pursue their goals, they have come to see, firsthand, what they're made of as they learn to rely more heavily upon themselves. Navigating the road of adulthood can be bumpy, at times. Yet, even with some bumps along the way, our children have had incredible experiences that have added to their growth, as well as their confidence.

I'll continue to have my share of goodbyes as our children finish their schooling, find jobs and decide where they want to settle down. That same confidence I saw in our daughter on her first day of kindergarten will be with her as she graduates from college. As we prepare to celebrate this milestone with her, it may mean another goodbye. Either way, I know she is prepared for that next step in her life, and that puts my mind at ease.