Milestones are weird.

The culmination of years, tiny steps and near misses, all come together in one day.  A  ceremony celebrating a right of passage or an achievement.

Katlyn graduated from Xavier College Prep today.  Four years of homework and tests, crazy schedules and days when she just didn’t want to get out of bed.

She showed up, did the work and now we just watched her, showered, shaved and beautiful on her big day.

There are so many things a mother could say at a time like this…a milestone.

Lessons I’ve learned, warnings and advice for her future.  This is it, she’s done with high school and she will now go out into the world…

What does that mean?

She’s already in the world and I already give her advice and tell her boring “learn from my experience” stories.  This has been going on for years.

One day is just that, one day.

There’s no magic 24 hour period when it all comes together and the golden door to “the real world” reveals itself to her.  It’s in the details, they make up the whole.

It is great to take time out and celebrate her accomplishment.  I could not be more proud, but nothing really changes.

The school will be different now and eventually that will be a job or a new house. Someday it will evolve from college major advice to career advice, but it’s all the same really.

Day to day, little by little, being there for her and letting her know that she is loved and supported.  We’ve been doing that her whole life.

For those of you that think I’m just in denial, I know I won’t be making her lunch anymore and yes, her room will be empty most of the time, but that’s just logistics.

There will be new things she needs, new experiences and adventures she’ll bring to our family to add to the collection we already have.

We took a moment today and celebrated, reflected on how far she’s come. There will be many more milestones in Katlyn’s life.

Until the next one, I’m going to cherish the boring days, the every days, the details of loving our daughter.

My thoughts from the laundry room.  Big Day Tomorrow.

adulthood children education family kids life love Motherhood Parenting Uncategorized family graduation life love Parenting thoughts women