May 9

My girl graduates from college tomorrow. I think I can probably say that over and over again and it still won't feel real, because I can absolutely remember the day I graduated from college 26 years ago. In some ways, it feels like yesterday. In others, another lifetime.

Adam's day started bright and early as he went off to Midway to fetch Isaac from his redeye flight, which landed at 5:20. We have two adjoining hotel rooms this go-round so Brady and I remained blissfully unaware of their comings and goings from our side of the wall. (And fortunately for me, my ears did pop --at least enough to enable me to discern when music is way too loud--  by the time I arose.)

We all attained at least a minimally functional level of consciousness at around 10:30, and then made our way over to campus to pick up Abby for lunch. She knows of our collective love for cheese curds and pretzel bites so she suggested Culver's, so off we went. I could feel my heart rise as I watched Abby, Isaac, and Brady sitting together once again, engaging in their usual witty repartee that never fails to make me laugh out loud. 

From there, we went to Target for some immunity gummies and decongestant, since Adam awoke feeling stuffy. I'm looking forward to seeing the Mother's Day cards the kids stopped to make at the little stand just inside the front door! I do love a homemade note.

Then Abby suggested visiting a local flower garden called Lilacia Park. It was super busy because it was apparently Kids' Day, but it was still nice to see the remnants of what was probably a beautiful Springtime spread of tulips and other lovelies.

The English Department had a meet and greet for graduating Seniors and their families set for 3pm, so we went back to campus. Abby bought one last item from Sam's --a pretty blueberry muffin-- and then we spent about 30 minutes mingling with a handful of her professors (and a few of her friends). 

An early dinner at Cane's followed (since Adam nor Brady had ever been and Isaac had given them a very enthusiastic review after his experience last Fall) before we dropped Abby back off at her dorm and returned to the hotel. By then it was probably 7pm, and we were all in low-power mode; Isaac and Adam went to sleep in the other room while I played a game on my phone. I knew Brady really (really) wanted to go to the (indoor) hotel pool, so at 8:30 I said I'd take him down. As I sat watching him bobbing up and down and talking a mile a minute about this and that, it occurred to me that he really likes the water. And also that he's a big sharer. (And I'm thankful for the last part, since I usually know what's going on in his head!) 

And now, well, now it's bedtime. It's crazy to think that by this time tomorrow, Abby will be a college graduate. As she noted in the car this evening, she will have attained the same level of education as her parents. 

And beyond that, she will have written the last sentence of the "college" chapter in her life story. I think her experience at Wheaton has been just what I prayed that it would be four years ago when she began: I remember praying that she'd mature and be more open to adventure, and she is. I prayed that she'd make great, genuine friends, and she did. I know she will miss them and that her heart aches when she thinks about it, but I also know that they're the kind of friends who will always be there for one another, regardless of the miles that separate them physically. I prayed that she would learn a lot, and she has. And I prayed that her faith would be strengthened, and it has.

So for the ways that God has shown Himself to be faithful during my girl's college career, I am grateful. And I'm excited to read the first line in the next chapter of her book.