Well . . . in only 23 days, I will be driving one of my twin daughters 5 hours away to college. I'm thankful that one is staying home, and as selfish as it sounds, I wish they both were . . . but I understand that I've raised them to be independent and seek out opportunities for themselves -- and Sienna has challenged herself with 6 years of school to become a pharmacist. I'm proud -- so proud of her . . . just beaming -- but inside, I'm struggling to swallow . . . thinking that in only 3 weeks, she's going to be on a college campus -- exposed to SO MUCH that I've shielded her from. I want her to explore, have fun, date, and enjoy her experience. Yet and still . . . I want her home in the living room, drinking coffee with me and laughing with her sister.

Oh this is gonna suck!

I understand where you are coming from! My kids are a number of years away from that, but I already know I will struggle with it. They are my world!

It sounds like Sienna is a smart girl - I have no doubt she will be fine. And, she will miss you as much as you miss her.

You must be so proud of her JL and you will have wonderful visits together. I get how you feel, my son moved to Vancouver for two years and every time I visited him I cried not knowing when I next will see him but our dream is for our kids to be independent and happy and although its hard for you and will be for some time, you will be fine, and you have your other daughter and your best gurlbuddy to console you and us on the forum (even though I am a newbie I am trying to piece all of your lives together and figure out what is happening with whom). I am also sad you are going through tough times with an ex, I know how much that hurts.

Today Sienna bought her first pair of sexy stilettos and a grown-up dress to wear with them. When she tried them on, I stood in the dressing room fighting back tears! OMG! Could somebody please cuff her to my condo?????

Every year it gets easier JL. The first year is the worst, not gonna sugar coat it for ya. I cried all week before and after she went. I could not even go into my daughters room at home the first year she went away to University. The second year it got a tiny bit easier and by year 4 I was looking forward to her going back. My thoughts are with you, make sure you have someone with you if you are driving her. I went alone that first year BIG mistake, I was crying so hard I got lost and ened up going 3 hours the wrong way.

Today is the day . . . I drive her 5 hours away to college and drop her off into a "sea of undulating hormones". One moment, I'm "okay" -- the next, the lump in my throat is so big that I can't swallow . . . I think driving home tomorrow (without her) is going to be the worst. Thank goodness Island Jenni Gurl is with me . . .

What a beautiful "milestone" in Sienna's life -- and mine too.

What a freakin' huge transition this is going to be . . . almost as huge as the day I brought her and her twin sister home from the hospital almost 18 years ago . . .

Right now, I'm not sure I can manage. But, I know I need to . . . have to . . . want to.

<3 Love you hun, everything will be okay!
You guys will have an even closer bond that you will cherish!!!

Just Lilly, i have been calling my children offsprings for years figuring that by the time they actually began to spring off me i would be able to handle it better.... Nope
You can do it, smile as you leave her knowing that you have raised a strong minded young lady who is now on her way in becoming a Strong Woman Friend for your future!!!

You did a great job raising her and now she is off to university, its difficult for you, I know, but that is our goal is for our kids to be independent and happy right? Congragulations on doing a wonderful job.

Hugs to you, be easy on yourself. I am so glad you are not going alone!