We had such fun decorating her dorm.
I didn't think leaving her would be as hard as it was. After all, she has chosen a Catholic school in our city. Across town, maybe, but only 20 miles away. We can see her whenever we like. I can call, text or skype her every night if I want. Still, that day and this past week has still been tough. It isn't the idea that she moved to the dorm that bothers me. She didn't really leave, she comes back on the weekends to work. Soon there will be breaks and holidays that she will be home.So, no, it isn't that she is gone very far at all. It is that she grew up. I can remember her first day of kindergarten like it was yesterday. She was so small, so confident, so blonde! I feel like it really wasn't very long at all. It doesn't feel like it's been 13 years. Actually what worries me the most is that she will forget about me and the things I really wanted to teach her. When they are young you think you have so much time and then one day you are leaving them behind in a dorm room! So what to do? I ran across a blog on Pinterest about a mom who had 100 things she wanted to teach her daughter. While reading them over I realized how many of them were the exact same things I wanted to say. Borrowing a few of hers, tweaking some of hers and writing my own I began a long list of the 75 most important things I hope I taught A while she was at home. I typed them up and that was it. Peace at last. Now at least I had a concrete list of what I wanted her to know. Sort of like a Sparks notes to life. I put them in a program format on publisher, added a few pictures and done. Gave it to her last night when I dropped her off at the dorm after work. Haven't gotten a response from her yet but oh well.... Maybe it's all sinking in. Here is the note on the front and my list of the 75 things I wanted to pass on to my daughters.
Last week we sent you off to college. Wow. While you were growing up I tried to do my best, I think I did ok, you turned out so wonderful! Lately I have been wondering if all the things I taught you while you were home, the things that I felt were important for me to pass on to you, really made it through the day to day mundane haze of life. So I decided to make a list of the things I felt were the very most important things I wanted you to remember throughout your life.
Think of me often!
Love,
Mom
August 28, 2012
Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of body.
There will always be mean girls – that doesn’t mean we find a tower and Rapunzel ourselves away from the world.
The world needs your point of view.
Food is a joy.
Ice cream is a language.
Cook, decorate, clean, organize because you love to, not because someone tells you you’re meant to.
Music makes everything better.
Dance – especially when you’re cleaning the kitchen.
Nothing you tell me will ever make me want to stop hearing from you.
Washing your face every night is the best kind of beauty routine.
Sunscreen – you got your dad’s genes.
Disney and popcorn make for a perfect evening.
An oyster is the perfect food, it’s delicious and may have jewelry in it!
A good movie can change how you understand someone else.
Words can build bridges and walls between people.
Home is not where we live but who we love.
Staying up late to read a good book is never time wasted.
Everyone should have a nap at 4pm.
There is no place better than a seashore.
Saying sorry first is a sign of strength not a weakness.
I’m on your side; especially on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.
Marriage is an act of courage, commitment and sacrifice. It’s also the most fun you’ll ever have with your best friend.
Patience is never wasted.
Love Waits.
Learn at least one other language.
Always fight fair. But don’t be afraid to fight.
Long hair requires a really good conditioner.
Fashion is not my forte; but you can’t go wrong with The Classics!!
Homesickness never gets easier.
There is no substitute for FAITH.
Bad hair days are inevitable.
A strong man is never threatened by a strong woman.
Go big even if it means failing big. Especially then.
Be the friend you wish you had.
Travel.
You can’t control what others think about you. Let it go.
I will be your best friend. But I will be your mother more.
Your dad will teach you about music.
Stop for sunsets.
Celebrate everything with Cupcakes!
Don’t just Instagram your life. Live it. But take plenty of pics along the way.
Don’t be afraid of a broken heart.
Girlfriends are the best kind of free therapy there is.
I’m never tired of being your mother.
American Pie can teach you everything about politics, life in America and music in the 60’s and 70’s
You can always come home.
We need each other.
Don’t be afraid to be foolish.
I’m more interested in your growth than your happiness.
When you hurt, I hurt worse.
Embrace the seasons, especially Fall. Each new season is a new start.
If it makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t do it, wear it or say it.
Drinks taste better in a mason jar.
Interreligious marriage is much harder than you can ever imagine.
Bad haircuts grow out eventually.
Movies lie. Real romance isn’t found on a marble staircase, a far off place or on an incredible adventure. It is falling asleep with your toes touching after doing the dishes and getting the kids to bed.
The painful truth is always easier than a messy lie.
Jesus loves you, this I know
There’s no such thing as perfect.
Nothing will make me love you less.
The mirror is not the boss of you.
You’re the most brave when you’re the most scared and keep going anyway.
You can get through anything with an ICE COLD COKE & A ROSARY!
You will always be my baby girl.
There you go, 75 things I hope I taught my daughter before she left for college. Count them. Yes there are 75. Here is a link to the post that I got the idea from, hope she doesn't mind me putting my spin on it.
Leave a comment and let me know what you think of my list!
