It’s orientation week at the college where my daughter works. It’s also the same college that she attended and graduated from. (4 yrs in 3!)

Oh my, how I remember that first year of college so very well.

It was a tough one for her.

I think it just might have been even harder for me. Her school was several hours away from home, so I was extremely limited in what I could do to help her.

I hurt for her. I wanted to fix her problems. Make all the bad things go away. Because really, that’s what a good mom is supposed to do, right?

Or so I thought.

But things don’t always work like we think they should. Something we both learned only too well that first year.

I listened to her troubles on almost a daily basis on the phone. My heart ached for her broken heart.

I prayed for her. A lot.

She was just too far away for me to give her a hug when she needed it the most. Wipe the tears from her cheeks and let her know, everything is going to be okay.

It was probably one of the most painful experiences of my life, and it was during this time that my encouragement skills got stretched to the max.

I was constantly telling her to keep looking up, among many, many other things.

He never fails. Not this time. Not ever!

Yep, we survived that first year of college, and of course she learned a lot of valuable life lessons in the process.

Well…we both did! I knew we would, but the process is oh so painful and just downright uncomfortable at times.

Oh…we also learned a lot about living with an extremely high maintenance personality! 🙂 Whew…her first roommate was a bit of a challenge!

Thankfully, the next year was much better. I’m convinced her roommate was an angel in disguise. Oh how I love that girl!

Today, I am happy to say, my daughter is a well-adjusted, happily married young lady and momma of one delightful little boy!

I am so proud of her!

I often find myself looking at her and wondering “just who is this girl and where did she come from?”

The scared, sad little girl from that first year of college is long gone, and in her place is a very strong, confident young lady!

My beautiful daughter.

Always my baby.