End of an era.......

jackieblack

I've just seen my daughter off to catch the bus to college for her last day. It got me thinking about the last 14 years of walking her or seeing her off to Primary School/High School/college, every day.
And this was the last time.
Where did all those years go?! :eek:

That shy little girl in pigtails and ankle socks has grown into this capable adult who knows exactly what she wants to do with her life, and I couldn't be more proud, but I still feel a bit emotional this morning at the end of this chapter in our lives

We'll be driving her up to start Uni in September.....

YORKSHIRELASS

I am sure there are a lot of Mums feeling the same way at the moment. My youngest is 13 and in my head he is still my baby but he is growing up so fast and becoming more and more independent.

Very scary. How do you feel about the thought of her being away at uni? Do you have other kids or are you going to have to get used to a very quiet house?

Seanymph

I did the uni last year - one away and one at home who picked a uni nearby - this year that ones going too.

It's cheaper when they've left As long as you don't count their rent you end up paying....

jackieblack

YORKSHIRELASS wrote: »

I am sure there are a lot of Mums feeling the same way at the moment. My youngest is 13 and in my head he is still my baby but he is growing up so fast and becoming more and more independent.

Very scary. How do you feel about the thought of her being away at uni? Do you have other kids or are you going to have to get used to a very quiet house?

She's our only child so, yes, the house is going to be very quiet without her.
I'm going to miss her terribly but where she's going is my (and my husband's) first choice for her (not that we tried to influence her, the decision was entirely hers but we were pleased that was her decision) as well as hers.
I can totally picture her there, doing what she's wanted to do for several years, and worked really hard for.
I'm excited for her

jlhmd666

It's funny but this is what we raise them to do, become strong, capable, independent adults.

I know I will shed a tear when / if my brood decide to go off to university. The time does fly though. I can still remember the days they were born, holding them in m arms, making little baby gurgles. Now all I get is grunts but, like the other poster, they're still my babies

jackieblack

Seanymph wrote: »

It's cheaper when they've left As long as you don't count their rent you end up paying....

Yes, I've been looking at a revised household budget for when she's gone - I estimate our expenses will drop by about £150 a month, taking into account food, electric, water and petrol. Fortunately, her grant/loan will be sufficient to cover everything (I was actually quite shocked at how much she's getting - almost as much as I take home in a year!) but I'll be putting that amount aside for her for any 'unexpected' expenses or, if she doesn't need it, it'll be there for her when she graduates and/or needs a car/first home/wedding/whatever.

DigForVictory

She's a lucky lass & you are wonderful parents.

Try not to weep obviously - it'll startle her. Pour champagne (or cava!) instead when she's with you, and weep at least two service stations down.

Take up at least one new thing, ideally out of the house part of the time. A foreign language course (or refresher) perhaps?
All the very best.

jackieblack

DigForVictory wrote: »

She's a lucky lass & you are wonderful parents.

That's very kind, but I'm sure we're nothing special

DigForVictory wrote: »

Try not to weep obviously - it'll startle her. Pour champagne (or cava!) instead when she's with you, and weep at least two service stations down.

Oh yes, although she's quite expecting me to blub I'm determined to keep it under control until we're out of sight.

DigForVictory wrote: »

Take up at least one new thing, ideally out of the house part of the time. A foreign language course (or refresher) perhaps?
All the very best.

Thanks, I will have to find something to keep me occupied.
I work in a school office and anticipate that October half term could be difficult. She won't want us visiting so soon after taking her, so we've booked 8 nights away - our first holiday without her and our first as a couple since our honeymoon! Planning for that will hopefully distract me for the first few weeks

msb5262

I know just what you mean...I'm in a similar position....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi7OXmTmgGg

jackieblack

msb5262 wrote: »

I know just what you mean...I'm in a similar position....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi7OXmTmgGg

I have this track on my 'phone but can't trust myself to listen to it at the moment

msb5262

jackieblack wrote: »

I have this track on my 'phone but can't trust myself to listen to it at the moment

Yup....bittersweet....breathe and remember it's all part of the job!