I never thought the day would come. The day when I would put the play-dough, paint sets, barbie dolls, and coloring books away.

The day I would pack up all my things into the back of my car and drive off into my future. But as I write this, I have 20 days until that day I never thought would come is here. My heart is racing from excitement. Excitement for the freedom, the new experiences, this new life that I have yet to explore.

But my heart also aches. It aches from the memories of painting on the porch, bubbles in the kiddie pool, and playing dress up. Because I know I can never go back to those days. I know I'm never going to be a little girl again, and after all those years of wishing and dreaming to grow up, I would do anything to get just a moment back.

But I can't, I am growing up and It's time for me to pack up that car, and drive away with my head held high. (Woah I am literally crying right now.. what is happening to me?) But before I do, Mom, I have some things I promise to you.

I promise to call and say I love you every night. Even if it's too late and you don't answer, I will still leave a voicemail, because I know you hate texting.

I promise to take every chance that's given to me. Not literally, don't worry. I know you don't want me to get my plate too full. But I promise to try new things without judgment. With a free and open mind.

I promise to dance in the rain. To enjoy the little moments in life. To embrace every single drop of life from the rainbows to the to the concerts.

I promise to never forget where I came from. Even if I begin to change, I promise to never forget my sweet and loving home with my support system. I promise to not get too high for my heels and remember those drives down Highway 64 in my hometown. I will always keep my humble roots.

I promise to keep you with me wherever I go. While I was in high school I felt as if you're advice haunted me, echoing in my ear whenever I turned around. But now I know that I need to hold onto those echos, and listen to what you've said.

I promise to use the buddy system. If i've learned anything growing up it is this. I promise to not go places alone and I promise not to be embarrassed to call the campus escort service.

I promise to not get caught up in little things that don't matter. You've always said forgive and forget, learn to let go. I understand that life is short and I promise not to hold a grudge.

I promise to stay sweet. I promise to smile. "Negativity is the killer of all things good in the world" I promise to be a light and spread positivity.

I promise to go to class. No matter how much fun college entails, I promise to not forget why I'm there. My education is my number one goal and I promise I'll remember that, even on my laziest of days.

I promise to drink water. If I'm upset or tired I promise to take a deep breath and drink a glass of water. Even if I'm just fine I promise to stay hydrated.

I promise to remember the pamphlets. You know the ones.... that you brought home from the health department. I know you think I wasn't paying attention while you were going over them with me... but I was. I promise to remember what that said, and live by them to the best of my ability.

I promise to live this life to the fullest. To take chances. To stay true to myself. To be happy. To love. To be genuine. I promise to do all the things you worked so hard to teach me. Because I love you.

Now it is time for you to make me a promise Number one, promise that you won't turn my room into a yoga studo... or an art studio... or my sister's bedroom, for at least two years. For real though! But most importantly (not that that isn't important, beause it is) don't forget to remember me. I know I'm your daughter and you could never really forget me, but remember my funny quotes, the things I say and do.

Remember how I was the only kid who ever closed the shower curtain. Remember all the times I asked people to do things for me and got mad when they said no. Rememeber my lifetime movie marathons. Just remember me.

It's crazy to think that I might never truly live at home again. My room will never be the same. The sofa, no longer my domain. The bath tub, no longer my safe haven. It will all be familar but not the same, like a relative you haven't seen in a long long time. But no matter how different things get I promise to always love you. And just remember, for now anyway, I'm not that far way.