This blog post is hard. I was completely stoked to start writing it. But then it hit me: How do you blog about your baby who is soooo close to going off to college…without having a good cry (or two)? Let me back up to paint you a better picture of who this amazing young woman is. She’s not my baby, she’s actually the oldest of our two daughters – she’ll be 17 in about a month. 15 years ago, when I was prego with her soon-to-be younger sister, Hailey was a 2-year old angel who would rub her momma’s back while I wrechted my guts out in the commode (thank you morning sickness.) She was the little toddler who kept her room and play area immaculate without having to be told. With her golden hair framing her round chubby face, her sparkling blue eyes would dance as she helped me around the house – everything from emptying pails to helping make homemade pies to coloring the 2×4’s with crayons as I built our family a coat closet. She’s the all ‘A’ student who rarely cracks a book (much to Regan’s chagrin.) I look back and see certain ‘pictures’ in my mind and I think, “Where did the time go – how did we get here so fast?” and “I’m not ready yet!” Oh boy, here comes the tears.
Do all parents go through this? I mean, this seriously hurts. It’s like a bad break-up or something. My heart literally hurts! I can’t imagine our home without my Spunky-Bunky in it. I mean, I know she’s only going off to college, and even at that I still have a year, but we all know that college is the stepping stone for her to start her life independently. i.e. Live apart from us. I know I should be applauding that I’ve raised up such a capable and amazing young woman, but I’m not ready for that yet. Even poor Neil is struggling with this. Neither of us are eager to push these kids towards the door.
Those of you who know me know how blessed I’ve always felt as a parent. I have a close and loving relationship with both Hailey and Regan. Hailey…. I am truly blessed to know and love this kind, thoughtful, intelligent, funny, caring, and beautiful young woman. I think of all of the trips to Northern Michigan, camping and hiking. I laugh when I think about all of the ‘boy’ outfits I dressed both girls in (outfits frugally found on the clearance rack of our local department stores). I remember the first time she fell off a horse, how she crumpled to the ground, hot tears of frustration burning her cheeks. And I remember, years later, watching in awe as she wrestled with our bucking gelding and how I admired her fierce courage. I remember all of the trail rides her and I shared… the miles and miles of trail rides and the awesome conversations we had during each of them. Looking back, I smile as I think of how she’s always looked after Regan – ALWAYS. And I’ll never forget her 16th birthday party and the immense amount of love she gave to and received from her party guests.
Hailey’s goals are to go to Michigan State University and eventually graduate from Vet School, with the intent on becoming a large animal vet. Regardless of what career Hailey settles on, this I know to be true: Hailey, you WILL make your mark on the world. You WILL be successful in whatever you choose because you’re honest, you’re driven, you’re passionate, and you care. I can hardly wait; I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
About our shoot: Hailey’s shoot is a perfect example of one of my Urban Sessions (see my website for details). Ok, you’ve waited long enough…here’s the good stuff:
