Hello everyone! This weekend my husband and I dropped our daughter off at college to begin her freshman year. We got her moved into her dorm room yesterday, in the middle of a rainstorm, on a very wet weekend! We, and every thing got a little damp, but we got her moved in fine, nothing ruined.
I am very happy for her as she starts on this new journey in her life. She is at a beautiful, faith-filled school; her cousin will be a couple of buildings away, and she has a loving aunt and uncle very close by. I know she’ll be happy and looked after if she needs anything, which I am most thankful for.
I knew when my daughter started college it would be hard for me, but didn’t realize it would be quite this hard!!! I am trying, really I am. The tears come, and then I feel strong for a little while, and then the tears come back again. I miss her terribly (already) and I’m not really sure how to get along without her as a part of my daily life. I find silly things set me off: her water glass with half a glass of water still left in it (as if waiting for her), her over filled hamper with the clothes she left behind, how she took the sheets off her bed for laundering even though I told her to leave them for me to do. I keep wanting to ask her something, but she isn’t here; I guess I very quickly got used to having her at home this summer. However, I need to remember that continual change is a part of life, and so, I need to figure out how to adapt to these changes. So, I am trying . . .
I keep telling myself that I am blessed to have a daughter that I miss so much! It helps (a little) when those tears threaten to start . . . yet again.
I managed to take a few photos of the beautiful campus, but mostly I was trying to keep my emotions in check. My husband took a few also.
Even our little chihuahua seemed sad to go.
Bye for now, and thank you for reading. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be able to get back to making things for the dolls.
Cindy Rice Designs 
Bless you, dear Cindy….your tears are a testament to the love you have for your precious daughter! My heart is aching for you . I wish that I could promise that it gets better, but it will take time….time for you to develop new habits and routines between you & your husband and your puppies. Try texting little messages to her when you feel the tears coming….and remember, the tears are good, absolutely nothing wrong with them! Extra love & hugs, Carol
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words, Carol. You are so right about developing new habits and routines; the ones that had become so routine with my daughter and that now cease to exist are a gaping hole in my life. Today was a little better than today. I got some sewing done which made me feel better. ❤
Good luck and best wishes to your daughter and her mother 🙂
It is a bliss to have the opportunity to study and get education. Other 18th years old, around the world have to be drafted to the army or go to work. So, best wishes! Orly
It is most definitely a blessing to be able to get the most education possible, and she is at a great school, so I am at peace with that. Today was a little better for me; I even got some sewing done. Thank you so much for you positive thoughts and wishes, Orly. ❤
Dear Cindy, I think very hard on you and I understand what you feel. I have been living the same situation a few years ago and your reaction is normal. I have just one daughter and we are very close to one another. Days pass and life continues.
You’re waiting impatiently for the holidays and they finally arrive! And it’s again the hapiness of being together! My daughter spent the last weekend at home and I’m still sad when she leaves! Courage, Cindy, It will be better in some time.
Warm wishes. Catherine
Thank you so much, Catherine. I am happy to hear that you are also close with your only daughter. It is a blessing, isn’t it? They are our best friends and greatest joy. The weekend visits go so fast, as did the years that they lived at home. ❤
Hi Cindy !
Farewell to childhood,the childhood of our children is always painful ,we know,all of us, these situations but it’s the really life ,another life for them and ours… kindest regards Anne
Thank you, Anna, for your words of courage. It IS indeed the reality of life, but so hard, isn’t it?
Dear Cindy, I guess we all come to realize oh so well that there is a time for everything, including letting go of our children, and trusting God to care for them when they are away from us. I have one daughter, and it took ages it seemed to get used to the silence in her absence. That was many years ago, but now the house is filled with her three children who love to spend summers with me. Now I get to miss them all when they leave. It is still a blessing to love and be loved, and it will get easier as time goes by, but you will always miss your precious girl when it’s time to leave. My grandmother always said, “Don’t say good bye, say so long, till we meet again.” I say this to my children, and to their children whenever they leave for home. I pray for God’s comfort and peace in you heart. What a great new adventure for your daughter. These are the young people who will change the world.
I loved reading your words of wisdom and courage. I will remember to say “so long, till we meet again”. I like that so much better than goodbye. And, thank you for your prayers, Ann.
Good luck and best wishes to your daughter and her mother 🙂
It is a bliss to have the opportunity to study and get education. Other young people around the world have to be drafted to the army or go to work for their living. So, best wishes!
This comment came through twice, Orly. Thank you, again!
Hi Cindy,
I read your blog when you post but I have never commented before.
I came to know you from your comments on Jeanne Marie’s blog. From there I realized I had been pinning your lovely outfits on Pinterest for quite some time. I adore your work. You dear Cindy are a very talented lady!
I just had to comment on this post. My heart goes out to you, just know things will get better as time goes by. Texting will help those sad feelngs pass until that last day of school is here and shes back home with you.
Take care
Ingrid
Oh, thank you, Ingrid. What nice things to say about my work. I am happy to report that I was able to get some sewing done today, so I am feeling a little better. Yesterday I couldn’t do anything but housework. Thank goodness for texting! I am counting the days until Christmas when she’ll have a long break.
Aw, lovely post. Such a nice mom you are.
I’ll tell you, when our youngest daughter went off to college, we knew she would be having a wonderful time. She attended the same one both of us, her parents, attended. 🙂 The thing I noticed most was after coming home from work, everything was just as we left it. No dishes/piles of papers. You’ll miss her, but it’s a new time for you too. It will get easier.
P.S. Love the pic of the chi!
P.P. S.S.
Guess the rain kept everyone inside at the college? Because a pic of it filled with students would be so wonderful. 🙂
Oh, the campus was still empty; only the students that were going to a leadership camp had moved in, and they were in one of their “meetings” before heading off. We were waiting for them to return from their “meeting” before we started our journey home.
Hi Joy,
Yes, I’ve noticed how neat things are staying, and when something is out of place I know who did it. LOL! Today was a little better. I got some sewing done. That is great that you all attended the same university. My daughter didn’t even want to visit the schools we went to; she wanted one of her own. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
He is the dog I need at the moment, a baby to cuddle. ❤
Hi Cindy. The words you have written, are the true words of a very caring mother. Is your daughter’s college quite far away from you? Your visits with her will be very special. Time flies quickly and she will be back before you know it. It is difficult, letting our children spread their wings and move away for the things that they want to do, but that is a good thing. A college degree is a must, now a days, as it is getting more difficult to find work. I wish your daughter, good luck with her studies! And I wish you happy days, as you continue to create your beautiful doll ensembles! I really enjoy looking at them and I love the one, that I was lucky to have been able to purchase from you. xoxo
Thank you for your thoughtful words, Sonia. My daughter is close enough to drive over for a visit, but far enough so that it cannot be a one day trip. Even driving back the day after getting there was tiring, we are getting older. This is one instance where I hope time does fly. And, yes, I agree a college degree is a must with a masters degree helpful too. I pushed myself to start working on Tuesday (fake it til you make it), and the creativity is flowing again. Thanks again, Sonia.
Oh Cindy, I forgot to mention that your photos of your daughter’s college are absolutely beautiful! It looks like a very nice place to study.
Yes, she is lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful grounds. It’s good for the spirit. Her winter will be more mild too, lucky girl! Thank, Sonia.
HI Cindy,
This is my second comment (today anyway). I’m sure I’ve pinned many of your outfits as well – sew cute!
I ALSO have a daughter away at school. I miss her too! She’s not my only (ASAMOF I have 4!) but she’s my baby, and she’s the only one to move more than 1/2 hour away for college, and did I mention she’s my baby? She’s actually a Junior this year so you would think I would be used to it by now, but this past Christmas break, she was only home for a little over a week!!! She’s has a part-time job and they required her to work (it’s JoAnn’s!!!) We were very bummed. I DO however have a 1 yo granddaughter, such a delight!!! Definitely helps with missing my youngest.
Your daughter’s school looks lovely – Good Luck to her.
Hi D,
I’m glad you enjoy my photos.
I hear from so many how hard it is sending our children off to college. I wasn’t ready for it as it is not discussed frequently, totally hit me unaware. And, I don’t think it is ever something that I will get used to. We all miss our babies, and will, always and forever. That is NOT good that your daughter couldn’t spend her entire Christmas break with you. Ugh! How nice, though, that your other three are close by. That helps a little bit, no? Congrats on having a granddaughter. You’ve done it right; by the time your youngest leaves home you have grandchildren to “try” and fill the void. Thanks for your comments.