When my daughter was born, I was the happiest man in the world. I looked forward to raising her to become an independent, intelligent, and confident young woman. She exceeded all my expectations and made my wife and I awfully proud.
Early this morning, she got in her fully packed car and headed across country to the University of Washington to become a PhD candidate. How's that for independent, intelligent, and confident?
As we hugged good bye, her mother was brought to tears. I acted tougher, but the truth be known, I cried my eyes out later when my wife wasn't around. I already miss her, but I realize that birds have to eventually fly from the nest. I only wish the last 23 years had gone a bit slower. If I knew all my children would turn out like her, I would have had ten more.
I hear you, brother. I recently said goodbye to my son who is off to join the U.S. Navy. Bittersweet times.
ReplyDeleteAs a son of proud and loving parents, the best thing in the world from them was giving me the ability to choose. So, thank you from the collective.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh...
ReplyDeleteBut would you have loved her less if she wasn't intelligent, or if she chose to use her intelligence for something other than chasing degrees and titles?
Aww, this brought tears to my eyes. My daughter just turned one, and I hope the years go slow, but I already know they won't. The first year was over in a breath.
ReplyDeleteI'm way past college aged children, our only is 35, but those first years went fast.
ReplyDeleteDamn, you turned on my waterworks! I'm a few years away from this moment yet (mine's 2.5) but I know they'll go by in a flash.
ReplyDeleteVery sweet!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet!
ReplyDeleteFirst time reading this thanks for sharing
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