Just In Case I Forget...

      I was never blessed with a good memory. Sure I can remember the names of my students, where I'm going and where I live, most days, but I often walk in a room and forget why I went in there and I have gotten to the point in the classroom that I tell the students concerning a piece of their artwork "Remember where I put this because you know I won't." I joke that it is early onset Alzheimer's disease but I think that the real problem is my work load. When you are constantly busy, and let's face it that is just my nature, you tend to forget stuff. The brain is just a little overwhelmed and I guess when that happens in my sorry cerebrum, the memory part just shuts off. Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

      My daughter is leaving for college in less than a month. I have mixed feelings. I am ready for her to go and God knows she is ready to leave, but I will miss having her under my roof every day and night. Everyone that I have talked to about having their first born leave the nest talk about the lonely, sad drive home from college. Mom said that she cried the whole way back from Clemson. One coworker teared up just telling me about her experience with her son even though it was years ago. I have a feeling I will be the same way. It is bitter sweet. I am so excited and even envious of her. She has her whole life ahead of her and it is such a wonderful time. I want her to have all of those experiences and chances in life. I hope her ride is a good one but before she embarks on it, I need to tell her some things just in case I forget in the rush and heat of the moment. The time will be here before I know it and since my memory has a habit of failing me, I'll just jot it down now.

      My Dear Madison,

      Just in case I forget...

      I will ALWAYS love you, no matter what. This holds for anything and everything you can ever think of to get yourself into. After all, you have a creative mother and who knows how that particular gene might manifest itself in your personality once you are on your own.  Just know that no matter what kind of mess you find yourself in good or bad, and no matter how many of my boring lectures you may have to endure, I will always love you. Nothing can ever change that!

      If you need me, I can and will be there. No questions asked. No matter what. Nothing in my world is more important than you.

      I know that I have held high expectations for you and that I may have pushed you at times, but just remember that the only reason I held the bar so high is because I was certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that you could not only reach it but would clear it with plenty of room. I know you hate to hear this, but I was right. :)

      You are capable of so much more than I ever was and I am in awe of everything you have accomplished. If you stopped today, and never added another item to your impressive list, it would be enough. Set your goals high because I know you can reach them and don't be afraid to dream because you just never know.

      I wish you a life of love, joy, peace, prosperity and happiness. When in doubt about what really matters remember that line from that old Eagles song, "Don't you draw the Queen of Diamonds boy, she'll beat you if she's able. The Queen of Hearts is always your best bet."

     I pray that the lessons you have to learn will be easy and that you learn them the first time they come around because I can tell you from experience if you don't, they will be back.

     Chase your passion and you will never be disappointed. You only go around once so make every second count. As John Keating tells his students in Dead Poets Society, "Make your lives extraordinary." I can't wait to see what you do with yours!

      Love Always and Forever,

      Mom