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.
Blessings through raindrops... 
Reblogged this on Icanbeatit.
Thank you! 🙂
You are welcome 😀 😀
This is so heartfelt and beautiful. I’m going to send the link to my sister. They just who took their daughter to college away from home for the first time. And I love the quote about keep looking up!
Thank you! It was a moment in time I don’t think I will soon forget. I hope everything goes well for your sister, and your niece. Thank goodness for e-mail and cell phones, it makes the distance seem a little closer if necessary! 🙂
Great story, I’ll be doing a lot of this next year when my son goes to college! Thanks for this post!!
Oh thank you! I know it’s not the same for every one when this time in their life comes around, so I hope for you and your son, it will be a great experience with wonderful memories! And if you should have challenges, I hope they will pass quickly.
Just the fact that you are preparing yourself for it now, tells me that you will do a great job supporting and loving him through this journey!
Hang in there!
Becky, it sounds like you have been and still are a really good mom. Not all students going to college have a parent they can count on. Well done!
Blessings ~ Wendy
Wendy,
I really appreciate those very kind words of encouragement! And unfortunately you are correct. I remember when we took our daughter to school, there was another young gal there, who’s mom had basically put her daughter on a plane from PA to CA, and sent her on her way. First time away from home. She latched on to just about any “mom” that would give her some attention. My heart broke for her. So, I know what you mean.
However, I take my “mom job” pretty seriously! Even though my kids are all grown up and on their own now, my job as their mom will never end. The challenges are just a bit new and different now 🙂
Thank you,
Becky
Just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your blog. I am inspired by it. I nominated you for a versatile blogger award. Check out the nomination here: http://mwlangridge9.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/ive-been-vbad-again/
Ahhh….thanks! 🙂 I’m honored by your nomination, you are so very kind! I’ve seen this award out there on other blogs, and wondered what it was all about….now I know! 🙂
Keep working on those jokes, they make the rest of us laugh too, you know!
Thanks again!
Becky
I love your post. I will file it in my mother heart for future reference. 🙂
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I so appreciate your kind comments. A “mother’s heart” gets filled up with a lot of things doesn’t it? 🙂