My baby is off to college...
We moved my youngest into her dorm on Thursday and then went camping (my first time ever) for the weekend.
When I was diagnosed, June 2008, my kids were 15 and 13. My youngest was just going into high school and I was scared silly that I would die while she was still in school. Sadly and ironically - the woman across the street from me died suddenly at that time and my heart broke when thinking of her daughter the same age as mine having to go back to school after the funeral.
My oldest daughter just turned 20 (I was in NYC meeting with doctors on her 16th bday) has since graduated high school, gotten her associates degree and engaged and is now looking for houses and planning a wedding.
My baby graduated high school a year early and is at college about hour and half away from home. My husband and I are living alone together for the first time in over 20 years. (although we havent been home much since she left!)
So while all the other parents (my husband included) are sad because their babes are leaving the nest - part of me is just so glad I got this far...
I am thrilled to be where I am, I am thrilled they are where they are. I hope to have many more years filled with grandchildren, retirement, and life but always keep the focus on enjoying today as much as possible.
Here's to seeing my grandchildren graduate college...and then their children.
Comments
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Congratulations to your and your family - it sounds like you have much to celebrate! Here's to many more milestones for all of you!
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Mary, Congratulations to you and your family!!! Education is the best investment!!!
Feels great, doesn't it? Yesterday I was chatting with my kids (22 and 21) about all sorts- marriage, further education and more challenges for the next several years. Then I realized I was actually making plans with them, without even a thought about cancer and any fear!!! So on to next missions in good health and cancer free all of us....
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Congratulations to you and your children on all the milestones and accomlishments!!!
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Mary You are living the dream...at least my dream. My youngest was in preschool when I was diagnosed and if I can make it to her graduation I can go out a happy woman. My oldest is now a sophomore in college and my youngest is in 4th grade so I guess I have a way to go, but I am planning on it. Karina I am planning and looking forward to every day and no pun intended...every minute
)
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I hope to see this milestone!! I've got 8 more years to go with my oldest and 11 more to go for the youngest!! (they are now 10 and 7). I think of this all the time. I had them older though. My sister-in-law, who is the same age as me (46) has a 20 year old, and my sister (45) just sent her's to college. I think of this, it would have been easier if they were older, the worry...But it is my dream as well DCMom!
Congratulations to you for reaching this huge milestone and for having your new found "total" freedom!!! I KNOW you will enjoy it!!! -
Mary,
I've been thinking about you a lot, and I'm so glad to hear that your girls are happy, healthy and have bright futures ahead of them. Knowing you and Joe, I'm sure your house will be empty a lot, but that you will be out there making the world a better place. Love you!
Bobbie
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