The time has come for Aubrey to spread her wings and fly. Tomorrow morning she heads to Portland, OR to begin the next phase of her life. She has a job, a life plan, and big dreams to chase. I'm really proud of her for all the growth and progress she has made in her life the last couple of years. She has lived at home since high school and we have been able to watch her overcome adversity and transition beautifully into adulthood. I can't wait to see how she grows and blossoms as an artist, a student, and an individual in a setting much more conducive to her personality and creativity.
And, because it isn't hard enough to have one daughter leaving, Taylor is also prepping to spread her wings and fly. This week was the last school play - something we have been doing together since Taylor was in 5th grade, the last speech and debate tournament with the high school team - something that has consumed our lives for the last four years. She will be heading to Western Kentucky University in August to compete with their college speech team and I look forward to watching her further develop her incredible talents.
The last few weeks have been filled with too many lasts and those lasts are hitting me hard. Today I gave Aubrey her last haircut and it made me cry. I'm sure it will not be the last time I cut her hair but it will be the last time for a while. Last night was the last family dinner. Not knowing when we will all sit around the table together again is difficult for me to accept. On a personal note, this week will also be the last time I coach the speech students that I started coaching with. I imagine tomorrow will be a difficult day as I say goodbye to Aubrey then coach my seniors for the very last time. All these lasts remind me of how full my life has been, all the opportunities I have had to form meaningful relationships with my daughters and their peers. These lasts are bittersweet, difficult for me knowing that my role is changing, happy for me knowing my daughters are ready to pursue their own lives with confidence.
These lasts for me mean many firsts in their lives as they set forth to conquer the unknown. I look forward to seeing where these firsts will lead them......
