Today's blog post is going to be quite different from what I typically share because today is the day – Boo's college graduation!
I'm so proud of everything Boo has accomplished. She's smart, witty, fun, talented, ambitious and beautiful – on the inside and the outside. She's compassionate, a Christ-follower and a great listener. She has never, in all the years of growing up, caused Bob the Builder and I any problems. She's been every mother's dream.
This is a day I've been looking forward to with great excitement. It's also a day I knew I'd feel sad.
So, why am I sad? You'd think I'd be beaming with pride knowing we've raised such an exceptional daughter.
I feel like my job as as mom is now "complete". I've reasoned, mentored, loved and consoled. I've even covered all her expenses (car payment, insurance, student loans, etc.) to allow her to concentrate on her education.
After tonight's commencement, she'll forge ahead into the real world of adulthood. That includes a full time job, paying all her own bills and experiencing what it's like to be completely responsible for herself. This will be a transition for her, but I know she's ready.
She really doesn't "need me" anymore.
As I sat in front of the mirror this morning, putting on my make up, my mind wandered. I asked myself all those age-old questions, "where have all the years gone", "how can I be at this stage", "how can I be nearly 55 years old"? Looking in that mirror, I could see wrinkles and, despite a recent visit to the salon, my gray hairs are beginning to show through at the roots. Yep, time has gone by. Lots of time.
My parenting of a 'student' has ended. A new chapter of our lives has begun. Whether she needs me or not, I'm still her biggest cheerleader!
Congratulations, Boo! I love you and I'm so very, very proud of you!
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I know you are very proud of her and rightfully so. You and Bob the Builder have done a fabulous job of helping her along to this point. She may not “need” you for every day expenses, but she will always “need” your emotional support and love. She will never outgrow her need of hugs from her mother, a listening ear and a smile on the other end of a phone call. You and she are turning a page to the next chapter in the book of life and both of you will make the very best of it. Congratulations to all of you for a very bright future. Enjoy every moment. The long-awaited commencement will be over in a flash.
Congratulations to all on this exciting occasion! While your parenting of a child / student is over, learning how to be a parent of an adult is just beginning for you and it’s as big of a transition as becoming a new parent is. It will take awhile but you will certainly enjoy this next stage. Enjoy everything about today, it will pass in a flash.
What an exciting time for all of you. Congratulations. A new day has dawned. Your daughter will always need you. Now it’s time for you and Bob the builder.
Lisa, I hear what you are saying. I, too, have an only child daughter who sounds like she is much the same as your Boo. Congratulations on a job well done to all of you! Jennifer is now almost 40 and gifted us with 3 beautiful grandsons ( a whole new learning curve for me dealing with boys!). They are the delights of our lives and I am closer than ever to my daughter! So much for you to look forward to! Enjoy every moment. Thank you so much for your delightful blog….I have learned so much from you!
You and Bob the Builder have every reason to be proud of Boo. Even though your day to day mothering will change, you and Boo will always need one another. That will never change. I speak from experience as my daughter, as an adult, often looks to me for my “motherly wisdom”. God has bonded you two together and that will last a lifetime. Please enjoy this new adventure!
Congratulations to all of you!! Don’t even think for a minute that your daughter doesn’t need you (as others have posted), your role will only be different but still the need is always there. How wonderful to have a good relationship with your child, we have 4 sons and the role of a parent is always being a parent, even when they aren’t under your roof. I miss having children in our home but the “work load” is lighter but the heart is always the same – love them to pieces and now grandchildren are our blessings. Most important is that she is a Christ follower, the most important part of life!! You did a great job, and don’t say you aren’t needed, that is not true!! Thanks for sharing so we can all scold you for saying that and to say congratulations for a great job of parenting.
Thanks also for sharing your talent of crafting, love your videos and tips!!
I’m overwhelmed by all the kind and reassuring words. Thank you all for taking the time to comment. Boo’s big day was amazing and I’ll be sharing more pictures in the coming days. Hugs to all my stamping friends!
This is such an exciting time for you all! Congratulations to all of you! I know you are so proud of your daughter. It is unreal how fast time goes by. She has a lot to look forward to in this next “chapter” of her life! She is so lucky to have such wonderful parents!!!