Singing a New Song

"1,2,3 like a bird I sing...cause you've given me the most beautiful set of wings
I'm so glad you're here today, cause tomorrow I might have to fly away..."

One of the great things about my job is that I am surrounded by so much promise. Being in a school environment (and at a children's home before this), has given me an opportunity to see so many amazing kids as they embark on one of the most exciting and scary chapters in their lives:  college.  Every year I watch them gallantly walk across the stage, accept their diplomas, and smile award-winning smiles. They are all thinking, "FINALLY!!!"

Do you remember that moment you realized that your whole life was ahead of you - and you were about to leave home? You weren't quite on your own, but you were about to have more responsibility and freedom than you'd ever had before?

I do. And I remember sitting in my dorm room at Texas Christian University in SHOCK that I was finally "on my own."  That I had no real curfew. And that I was completely responsible for getting myself to class on time. Nobody else was going to prod me along. And no one was going to get on my case for not doing something their way, etc.

College was a magical time in my life. I've never been more poor, tired or overwhelmed. Yet I so fondly remember even the hard stuff. I remember taking 18 hours for two semesters while working 30 hours a week and thinking I was going to die. And trying to maintain my social life while also maintaining a good GPA. Not to mention scraping together my spare change for gas money or groceries, and letting all my friends come do their laundry at my house so they woulnd't have to pay for it at the laundrymat. Then there was the decision making about what I was going to do when I finished college!

It seems like as soon as it started, it was over. (And I took 5 years to get out!) I blinked at it was over. I was expected to be a full-fledged adult and make all those decisions that come with that title. Talk about a let down. No more finals meant my education WAS final. *sigh*

Tonight we went to a local pizzeria to hear the soon-to-be-famous Hannah Boren sing her last gig before she leaves for college. It's always a treat to hear Hannah sing, but an even bigger treat to know her and her precious sister. Hannah has worked at Kerry's flower shop this summer - and thanks to that we've gotten to know both girls better. They graduated this year - and they are both ready to sing a new song. One that will have a chorus each will sing for the rest of their lives.

Hannah is going all the way to Nashville, Tennessee to college - and Haley will be staying here to follow in her mother's footsteps to become a nurse.  I can't really decide which will be the bigger adjustment. Hannah will be learning a new town, new school, new friends, etc. But Haley will be in familiar territory without the familiarity of her friends and sister who will go further away. Either way, they are going to have the time of their lives. I know. I've done it.

I have to say.....I am so excited for them and all the other new college students I know.  And perhaps a little jealous of all the fun they have in store for them!