Do It Anyway!

I didn't really want to take my college girl back to school yesterday, but I had to do it anyway. And it wasn't too bad. Oh, sure, it was super sad, and the house will undoubtedly feel SO lonely without her, 
especially at first. 


But here's what I know: She was SO ready to get back and she loves it there SO much that, worse than taking her away would be to try to keep her here! Before she left, she made a dozen new feeling tiles for my new suite. I just happened to grab the camera as she was finishing up 
the SAD feeling tile . . . sniff, sniff . . . 


As I hugged Kaitlyn and headed out the door, I heard myself tell her to 
"hope for the best but prepare for the worst." That's because she's going to try out for a spot with the Marching Band again this fall, but she knows full well that they may not take her because she's got a required architecture lab scheduled at the same time as the Band's Tuesday night practice. She's frustrated about that, but she's going to do it anyway.


There are 26 new clarinets vying for her spot, so it follows that she may not get chosen this year. But she's willing to give it a shot and even serve as an alternate if she has to, just to be part of that Band family that she's grown to love. They make her so happy! There's also an option for her to be an alternate for carrying a Big Flag. That wouldn't be her first choice, of course, but she'd be willing to do it anyway, just to belong.


We're hopeful for good news, 
when she calls later this week!


What I'll always appreciate about these tiles is that when it came to that last one and Kaitlyn wasn't feeling like doing another one, she made herself do it anyway, for me
I sure am gonna miss that girl!

11 comments

  1. aw....you are amazing. I love those ceiling tiles and your daughter sounds like she is following in mom's amazing footsteps!

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  2. That got me "teary" already this morning. Hugs to you, friend!

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  3. Hopeful for you both.
    Love the tile art. Great idea.

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  4. OH MY GOSH! Those ceiling tiles are a.m.a.z.i.n.g.!! :)

    Always A Lesson

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  5. There's always joy and a bit of sadness watching your kids grow up ... sending hugs your way.
    Barb
    Grade ONEderful

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  6. Barbara,

    Now that's got to be one of the coolest posts EVER! I know you miss your girl, it's hard to let go. :) I wish her well on all that she wants!

    She's very artistically talented!

    Shannon
    http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com

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  7. OK, everyone . . . your feedback is warming my heart and filling my bucket! Thank you, thank you.

    Yes, it's hard to let go! Thank you for normalizing my feelings.

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  8. I agree: Great talent is evident with that girl!
    And the presence of your daughter will always be there with you with you... all you need to do is look up!

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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  9. The ceiling tiles are wonderful. Your daughter is very talented. My oldest daughter moved out to begin grad school last Sunday. How quiet the house is with one less. One less girl to cuddle, one less sister to argue with, one less friend to chat with, one less body to share a bathroom with, one less...
    I miss her and she is only 1 1/2 hours away. And she calls everyday. I LOVE cell phones. No long distance charges.
    Cindy
    href="http://kindergartenlovesme.blogspot.com">KindergartenLove

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  10. BArbara, THanks for sharing this personal side today!!! I will be hopeful for your daughter too!! I LOVE the Ceiling Tile idea with the feeling faces!! I might have to "borrow" that Idea. HAve a great Day!!

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  11. Oh, Barbara! What a beautiful post! It's such a joy to watch them blossom, and also so sad to let our grown-up kids go. Thank goodness for technology that keeps us connected (spent an hour Skyping with my daughter in Egypt today) but the best is when they're home and you can tuck them in! I love how your ceiling tiles, but love even more how you incorporated them into your post. I'm glad you'll have them to look at every day at school - such a nice connection with your girl!

    Rebecca

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