I know that leaving last year after moving me in for my first year of college was one of the hardest things that you've had to do. But we both knew that it had to happen. The first thing I am sorry for is choosing a college that is several states away from you, but let's be honest, you would have missed me even if I went to a state college at home. I know you don't think that I miss you as well, but I do. I might not be attached to your hip like I use to be growing up, but please don't take it to heart. It's not because I don't love you or love you any less than I used to; it's just that I enjoy my alone time and am trying to take all responsibility for anything that I can to make it easier for you. I also apologize for the fact that I am not open to you about things, but that's not because I don't want you to know things; it's just simply the fact that I am a private person and I like it that way. But if you ever want to know something, just ask me.

I also want you to know how much I admire how strong you are raising two kids as a single mother. I understand why you think I am pulling away, but you are used to being needed all the time, and I am pulling away with my newfound independence because I realize how much you do, for not just things that benefit yourself, but the amount of things that you do for me and my brother. That is why I am doing things on my own to help me build my own life, so you can focus more on what you need to do that will benefit you.

As much as I would love to ask you to call and make an appointment for me or go pick something up that I need, I don't because I know I am fully capable of getting it done myself. Yes, I know that I can procrastinate tasks and occasionally forget, but I will get it done, especially considering that I know that it will be one less thing for you to do. So as I leave you again for another year at college, just know that I do miss and love you. We might not talk all the time, but that doesn't mean I do not think about you. I am just busy and trying my best to make sense of what I want in life, and doing what I have to do achieve and succeed in college. You also know more than anyone in this world that I do not like talking most of the times or even socializing in any way when I am in my moods. It's not that I do not care, it is just that interacting can be too much for me to handle and tolerate sometimes. But I am probably either trying to focus on something (like making food so it will come out to standards I expect myself to have) or, because I am mentally exhausted because 1. I haven't had my coffee yet, or 2. I just need to relax and need to lay down and stare at a wall in a silent room for an hour or two to recharge.

So please do not worry about me, I know that you are just a phone call away, and I love you. I want you to be proud of me, and remember to be proud of yourself too, because you did an amazing job raising me. You raised me to become smart, thoughtful, independent, and full of weird medical facts that come in handy when someone I know is sick. I love you mom, and this is not your baby bird leaving the nest forever, it's just your bird trying to spread her wings and find her place in the world.