Last Thursday, my youngest child graduated from our local college, with her first degree. In a couple of months, she will be moving over four-hours away to attend university that will be her home for the next few years, as she earns her more advanced degrees. My baby girl and I are very close and we will miss each other a great deal – we are very ‘Gilmore Girls’ close. And although I doubt more than three weeks will ever go by without us being together, I am aware that I have approached the point where many full-time mothers feel as though they have come untied from their moorings. I am grateful that I am not in that place, at this time. It’s sorta funny but I went through this 5-3 years ago. It wasn’t funny then, but in hind sight I can see how having my period of feeling adrift beforehand, allows me to truly enjoy and support this stage of my child’s development … As well as my own. Having had that anxiety in advance, forced me to give a great deal of consideration to what I am going to do with my time.
The first 25 years I was merely a byproduct of other peoples lives – the latter 10 spent in trying to heal from the first 15. The next 25 years belonged to my children. These next 25 upon which threshold I am poised – are mine. I am 51 and my life finally feels like it is my own. And I have a good plan for it.
ikataki 
I hope you will find some new endeavors just for yourself. Whatever your heart desires. Maybe a new hobby, travel, an adult school or college class, or something else.
Your daughter will always be a phone call or text away. Just think that when you do visit each other what a special event that will be. She will be spreading her own wings on her own. I imagine it will be interesting for you to see where she goes.
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Thank you! Yes, it will be very exciting to see what she does as she moves from behind my skirts.
I certified as a professional coach a couple of years ago, so my life is filled with that and will swell even more in the fall as I embark upon my own college pursuits in economics and social policy. It’ll be fun to be in school while she is too. It’s a whole new chapter for each of us. 🙂
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That sounds exciting, ikataki! I think studying later in your life is very rewarding. I took a total of 12 credits of psychology courses during the past couple of years. I was the best student ever. Super motivated.
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The way a lot of parents feel. Well, the kids must grow up and stand on their legs. May only the best follow her where she is.
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Thank you!
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