Well, I’m almost at that point. My daughter is 18, and I didn’t give her permission to grow up this fast. Every other day my husband or I will have breakdowns about her leaving us in just a short while.

I need help and suggestions on how to get through this time in my life. So please tell me how all of you handled your babies, leaving you, and starting their own life.

When she started her senior year, I cried myself to sleep for about a month. I would go to her room and kiss her forehead and say goodnight. Then as I shut the door, tears would just fall down my face.

Talk about heartbreaking!

But I can’t be a cry baby forever, so I had to find the strength for her and me because I know she is scared and sad too. The last thing she needs is her mother crying and bringing down her vibes.

So instead of crying, I’m focusing on how blessed I am to be on this journey with her. When she’s scared about leaving, I hold her hand and tell her she isn’t alone.

But let me tell you about my first college visit with her before I found this new tough-guy approach.

First College Visit

There we are sitting in the welcome center, and the representative of the college is giving a welcome speech. She is telling all the kids how proud they should be for working so hard to get to this level….. blah blah blah

I totally checked out and just started crying. My baby girl gently took my hand and just held it, which made my tears run faster. I wasn’t just crying because I’m going to miss seeing that beautiful face every day but because I’m so damn proud!

But now that the time is getting closer, I’m getting stronger and being that rock that she needs. So I put on my superwoman act and tried to be a confident badass mom that has her stuff together.

You know… more like Claire Huxtable.

I put my heels on and walked with my head held high. I channeled that inner strength because I know that she is looking at me and feeding off of my vibe.

So with that in mind, yesterday’s tour was the best yet.

We went to visit Spelman, and it was amazing!

We laughed and talked the whole day, had lunch, and discussed life. Hearing her talk about all of her dreams and vision for her future is so inspiring. I see that sparkle in her eyes, and that lets me know she is ready for her next chapter, and so am I.

Well, me not so much, but I’ll fake it until I make it.

You could have chosen any blog to read, but you chose mine, and I’m honored!

~Belladonna~