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”A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future.” Author Unknown
By Downtown Diane
My daughter is graduating high school this year and I can't believe it. Where did the time go? She was just holding my hand to cross the street, riding all the kiddie rides at the beach and singing tunes from Barney. Can she really be turning 18 in just a few short weeks? Yes, she can. The college applications are all in and as a huge Terps fan, she is excited to be entering University of Maryland Honors Program in the Fall. I have very mixed emotions; proud of the young, independent woman she has become, yet, sad that she will be leaving our home for college before summer ends. As I talk to more moms in the same situation as me, they all seem to relate.
As the saying goes "Time flies" and not until this year did it really hit me how true this statement is in life.
Treasure every moment you have with your children because before you realize it, they will be going from packing their teddy bears for sleep over parties to packing all their clothes for college.
However, the excitement of graduation and prom comes first and prom shopping, oh my feet! We headed to King of Prussia Mall for two days of intense prom dress shopping with a few friends. The very first dress she tried on at Bloomingdale's was a perfect fit; she looked like an angel, an almost 18 year old angel. The beautiful dress is a silvery blue with touches of white and silver and fits her petite frame perfectly. Princess came to mind, however, I dared not say that out loud. Ok, "Let's hold that one and keep looking," I said, knowing perfectly well nothing else would compare. And guess what, nothing else did. Back to Bloomingdale's, sold. Next up shopping for the perfect shoes, accessories, etc. However, I now am treasuring these moments even more, because in just a few short months she won't be living in our home any more and I will miss all of this ”togetherness” tremendously.
Next up was the “hair style trial.” We headed to The Pearl at the Ritz Carlton and wow, her hair, which is full of beautiful natural curls, was blown a shiny straight by Tiesha, with just the perfect amount of wave. My daughter was delighted; it’s just what she pictured. The Pearl offers manicures and pedicures, make up and more. Ok, check a few more items off our list, and book appointments for May.
So, as the days to Prom and Graduation approach and I find myself looking back on how the years flew by, I now look forward to the evenings to come when she gathers with her childhood friends for pre-prom & graduation pictures, some friends she’s had since pre-school and kindergarten.
The sadness of her going off to college comes and goes and I know for sure the day she leaves will be one of the most emotional days of my life, similar to the day that I held her in my arms on May 2, 1991 and kissed her little head and said, “Wow, I have a beautiful daughter.”
