Live Laugh Launch

I can hear an owl in my neighbor’s tall cottonwood tree and pause to listen. No matter how I quiet my steps and remain still, the owl flaps into the night, broad wings carrying it elsewhere. I think of the symbolism of owls and eagles leaving the nest, just one month before all 3 of my daughters move into college dorms.
This is a time of momentous change, and we celebrated high school graduations in May with a weeklong family holiday at the beach in June. Now, my twins prepare, gather what they need for dorm life, message new roommates, registered for classes, interviewed for on-campus work study jobs, and consider their impending freedom with a thrilling anticipation.
I am a seasoned college mom, as my eldest daughter will begin senior year; before her next birthday in May, she will graduate and be pinned as a nurse. She has thrived in 3 years of university life!
Often in my own life, I listen, observe, wait, and anticipate. I ponder and feel the complexity of emotions as we navigate a new life season. I have intentionally embraced each parenting season and experience, every age, grade, hobby, or activity.
Still, this is a radical shift for me after 21 years. I love my family with all my heart and recognize it’s time to let go.
Live laugh launch into their College Era.
Our eldest daughter was only 2 years old when her twin sisters were born. I was told countless times, “You have your hands full!” I recall equal parts exhilaration and exhaustion. I would respond, “My heart is full!” or “They are my dream come true!” And I knew with a swift arrival of a trio of babies —all 3 in diapers that first zany year — we would eventually move all 3 into dorms within 24 hours.
It is evident: they are all sorts of happy anxious thrilled free nervous delighted. They have incredible plans and will pursue meaningful degrees of study. This brings me so much hope! I am still their Mama. The next few months will be challenging for me personally, but I anticipate so many incredible things for my babies as they soar.