My eldest daughter left for college this morning. It's her first year...and mine too. I’m happy for her, yet sad to see her go. The tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at the blank walls of her room, now empty except for the faded outlines of where posters of her favorite bands once hung. I closed the door behind me wondering if this was the end. Will she ever spend another night under the same roof? How hard it is to let go…but necessary.

My thoughts are with each parent whose child is leaving or has left for college, the military, or to pursue their own dreams. I now know the sadness, the emptiness first hand.

For my younger friends who are on the cusp of this life event, my best wishes to you for a safe and exciting future. Enjoy life as this new door opens, remembering to be gentle as this may not be an easy time for your parents…