Dear Mom and Dad,
I remember the look on your faces when I got accepted to the school of my dreams: a look of pride, happiness and a little sadness because you knew your baby would soon be leaving to face the big world on their own. As the last few months of my high school career passed by, you watched me go to my last sporting game, play my last school concert, attend my senior prom and receive my cap and gown.
The day I walked across the stage at graduation with the biggest smile on my face, celebrating with my other classmates as we spent our last few moments together as one cohesive senior class, was a day filled with emotions. A day you were filled with an unexplainable amount of pride because your baby had made it to one of the biggest milestones in their life. After weeks of graduation parties and even going-away parties, reality started to sink in.
In just a few weeks, your baby was going to be off to college, living on their own. I remember the excitement and the sparkle in my eyes as we walked up and down the aisles of dozens of stores, searching for just the right decorations for my new room at college. I remember the exhaustion we felt after hours of filling out paperwork. I remember the times we cherished together because we knew that soon enough the day would finally come.
As the last few weeks of summer began to come to an end, we had to go through some of the toughest times. You watched me say goodbye to my best friends, tears streaming down our faces as we promised each other we would hang out every day during each break, you helped me when I was given my roommate assignments and I wasn't sure how to start off the conversation. We sat on the floor of my childhood room together packing away clothes, shoes, memories, everything.
Finally, the day had come, the car was packed up and ready to go. As we drove off, we all sat in silence, unsure of what was to come. I was nervous about being on my own, while you were nervous about leaving me alone. After unpacking the car, setting up my new room, meeting my roommates and exploring some of the campus, we both knew it was time. Standing near the exit neither of us wanted to say goodbye, but we both knew it was time for me to start my life away from home. After a long few hugs and goodbyes, you were gone. I was left alone to make new friends, take on new challenges and experience new things.
In reading this letter, I want you to know that you don't have to be worried about me, because your did your job as parents. You raised me to be mature, to handle situations on my own and to be the best that I can possibly be. Although I may still call you for what may seem silly things, sometimes I just want to hear your voice because although I may not always say it I do miss you, but just know I am alright, I can make it on my own, and thank you for everything you've done for me.
Sincerely,
A College Student
