Monday Memories 024: Kelly's First Day of College

Kelly is a friend and former neighbor of mine {{sniff}} who I love and adore. She is a mother of three girls like me and I always feel like I have so much to talk about and relate to with her. She is a beautiful inside and out and so very real. I appreciate that so much! She is open and honest about the challenges of motherhood, but is dedicated to being a great mother, and she is. And on top of all that, she's an incredible athlete!

I love her blog At Full Capacity because she shares all the wonderful {and not so wonderful} things about the life as a mother. It is a daily read of mine.

August 1996 This is me…on the left. This picture was taken on my very first day of college moving into the dorms. My roomie (whom I’d just met for the first time) is on the right. It was in August 1996. Just typing that date it seems like ages ago, but really it feels like yesterday.

The summer after I graduated high school was a whirl wind! I was set to attend city college in the fall, but very last minute, a school I barely knew anything about contacted me. They offered me a cycling scholarship! So, change of plans! Within a couple of weeks I was on a plane headed half way across the country to Indianapolis with only two duffel bags and a couple of bikes. I had no idea what the next four years would bring.

So many emotions on that first day! Excited mainly…but nervous too. I remember I was so ready to start this new chapter in my life. I was craving independence. But now…as a mother to three girls…I can’t help but look at this picture through my mother’s eyes. She was with me that day…she took the picture. What was she going through?

I was running around all smiles completely oblivious that her heart was probably breaking. She flew to Indiana with me…spent a couple of days helping me get settled…and then got back on the plane alone. She had to let go. That was her job…to raise me the best she knew…and then let me go, and hope for the best.

The thought of letting my girls go terrifies me! Will I handle it with as much grace as my mother did? Or will I be a blubbering fool on their first day of college, sobbing into their shoulder.

Let’s hope not…for their sake.

Oh I just love this picture and this post. It's amazing how becoming a mother helps us get to know our own mothers better. I can totally relate to that!

Thank you, Kelly, for sharing a Monday Memory. It was fun to see a glimpse of you before I ever knew you!

Are you interested in sharing your story for a future Monday Memories? You are more than welcome to! Email me at meg.sobuttons@gmail.com.

So...you may also like:
::Monday Memories 023: Kari Turns 30 and mego is prego.
::Monday Memories 022: Andrea in China and is wearing a gorgeous dress.
::Monday Memories 002: Christmas Edition joy.

Thanks for stopping by!