To My Daughter on Leaving for College

Today I was having a moment of melancholy. I was cleaning out a bookshelf in my classroom and found a beat up notebook full of old writings and ramblings from years gone by. The one that struck me most interesting was actually a published piece. I got a check for this bad boy....and then I grew pensive....how long ago had I written this....then I remembered....10 years had passed. When did that happen? It seemed like only yesterday my little precious....was starting first grade....now she has a classroom of her own. I read the poem again....and knew that I had raised an exceptional daughter....I was a success....I folded the papers back in the book....and placed it back on the shelf....then had a second thought and took one sheet out of the stack....and used it on my blog today....

To My Daughter on Leaving for College

The day dawned bright and shiny
Yet a storm was brewing in my heart
We loaded the last of your life in the car
And headed down a new highway
One that you would go alone.

I watched you silently from the passenger seat
This was a new role for me
I had done all I was supposed to do as a parent
And now...now, I had to set you free

We unpacked, arranged and you flitted off
Like a beautiful butterfly.
I walked away from you...feeling suddenly very old.
You were on your own.

A thousand thoughts flooded my mind.
Had I told you this? Had I taught you that?
I shielded my eyes against the sun and tears.
And let you go. Fly baby.

....I fold the poem again.....smiled at myself....and knew...she had flown. God is good....and I am truly blessed this particular Thursday in March.