We drove into Memphis late Saturday morning, laden with the
ubiquitous Rubbermaid tubs so that our oldest daughter could begin the process
of packing up four years of her life. As we pulled onto campus, I was flooded
with memories – the first awe-inspiring view of the school driving in for a
campus tour; freshman move-in day, where upperclassmen stood cheering and holding
signs to welcome the class of 2018; climbing four flights of stairs, tubs,
boxes and bags in hand, to set up the tiny room under the dormer. This would be the last time we’d visit her
before she donned a cap and gown. No school is perfect, but this school was
perfect for her.Throughout her college years, our daughter has stayed involved and incredibly busy, and while we would see her for breaks and Parent’s Weekends, we did not take advantage of her proximity by visiting on a random Saturday. We had been planning a day trip starting last fall, but with graduation looming, we were running out of time. It was, literally, now or never.
It was only one day, but it was magical. She had picked her new favorite restaurant
for brunch, a mostly-vegan place we would never have chosen. City Silo’s food was
so delicious and fresh, with locally sourced produce and eggs, that all three
of us cleaned our plates. Next stop: milkshakes from the burger place next door, and then off to the botanical gardens.
We wandered through the gardens, entranced by the lush
beauty now that spring had finally sprung.
There was talk of school, of the pressures of that last round of finals
and papers, and the bittersweet excitement of knowing that this huge chapter in
her life was coming to an end. We fed the koi and explored the children’s
garden. After this long, rainy winter, it was, in every sense, a breath of
fresh air. 
Our day ended with a trip to the local candy store (caramel
popcorn for her, chocolate-covered gummy bears for me) and a grocery trip to
fortify her through the final stretch. Todd and I helped her finish packing the
first round of things to go home, and as we lugged the now-full totes back down
the stairs, I felt a lump in my throat.
The safety net of college was almost over; in a few short days, our
first baby will graduate, transitioning from “adult with training wheels” into
actual adulthood.
For our daughter, this time is both an ending and beginning.
Her whole life is spread out before her, filled with infinite possibilities. She has shown grit and determination time and
again throughout her college years, and it will serve her well as she joins the
working world.
As her parents, the training wheels may come off, but just like we did when she was small, we will still be running beside her, cheering her on, and ready with a guiding hand if she needs us.
As her parents, the training wheels may come off, but just like we did when she was small, we will still be running beside her, cheering her on, and ready with a guiding hand if she needs us.
