Dear Southern Tier Parents Sending Your Baby Off to College

Dear Southern Tier parents sending your baby to college,

How are you doing? Are people asking how you feel? Does it feel weird when you walk into the house and your baby isn't there? Do you feel like you're walking around in a haze? Me too.

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The day has finally arrived and I have been dreading it and looking forward to it at the same time. My daughter, Tara, starts college today and I’m going to miss her so much but I’m really excited for her next big adventure.

I feel like it was just yesterday when Tara was born and changed my world for the better. She was and still is a ball of energy and now she's all grown up and ready to spread her wings. 18 years has flown by so fast and as her dad, it's kind of bittersweet to see Tara step into adulthood.

On one hand, I know Tara is going to have the time of her life at Messiah University as she makes new friends, tries new things and creates memories that will last a lifetime.  On the other hand, it's hard to let go and accept that my Buggy (her nickname) is all grown up.

I'll miss all the goofy moments we shared at the amusement parks, hockey games and the annual father/daughter dance. I'll never forget the one time that I took a tumble into the plants on stage during the father/daughter dance. Tara has had a lot of fun at my expense bringing that up over the years and I'm ok with that.

I know there may be a time when Tara will need her dad, even from a distance and I hope she knows that she can call me ANYTIME, DAY OR NIGHT and I'll be there. As much as I'm going to miss Tara during those long stretches of time between college breaks, I can't help but get excited about what is in store for this young lady.

As much as I'm looking back, I'm also looking forward to making new memories, catching up on each other's lives, and sharing more goofy moments together. Tara going off to college feels like a mix of emotions. It's a little scary, a little sad, and a whole lot of exciting.

I know that Tara is ready for whatever comes her way and Messiah University won't know what hit them with my little ball of energy. So here's to Tara and the incredible journey she's about to take. May her college years be filled with laughter, growth, lifelong friendships, and a whole lot of learning, both inside and outside the classroom.

I know that writing letters isn't as popular as it used to be but I'm going to write Tara letters and part of me hopes she holds on to them forever in case she ever forgets how much I love her.

If you're sending your child to college for the first or the last time, I understand all of the emotions you're feeling right now. Trust me.

A fellow emotional dad,
Glenn