Bittersweet college dropoff...

[ElJavi76]

So this weekend my wife and I dropped off our daughter at school. And now I'm compelled to spill some of my emotions on this screen. Thank you for taking a look and reading.

Alyssa is not my biological daughter. I met her when she was 5 and hiding behind her mother's leg. She's now an 18 year old young woman with a bright future ahead of her. The Universe has a way of taking care of its children. You see, my sons grew up away from me, and with their mother, a plane ride away. That was tough. If you've had to parent from a distance I'm sure you feel that pain. However spending summers together the 5 of us bonded, and our blended family gets along great. Having Alyssa in my every day life gave me the opportunity to be a full time dad. Drive her to soccer. Pick her up from the jumping coach. She was a two sport athlete in high school, earning 7 varsity letters for soccer and track. (Missed playing varsity freshman year soccer) Alyssa holds 3 solo records in our town's high school and shares in 4 relay records for track. Our girls soccer team also earned their share of trophies but she really got into the track.

Dropping her off this weekend was bittersweet. I could tell in her eyes she was nervous and a little scared. She jokes around about her friends and her being different. "Growing up Latino" is a thing. She always had a curfew (even after turning 18 this summer), and she would text upon arriving or leaving places. Well, ever since we dropped her off we haven't stopped texting. Love those group chats. I want her to grow up and be as happy and successful as she wants to be. Although, school is slightly under an hour away... I'm still gathering myself emotionally. It's the first time she's spending significant time away from home. When her mom was getting home late from work, Alyssa would often keep me company while I smoked cigars. "Javi can you actually taste the difference cause they all smell the same to me". LoL Yes midget, they're all different. I nicknamed her The Midget when I met her cause she was so tiny. It stuck. 

My Midget is off to do big people things. Her mother and I couldn't be prouder parents. She'll be running and jumping for her school's track team. We'll be there to watch and cheer. We'll be there in 4 years to watch her graduate and make new decisions. She still has to text me when she goes out though. ?

To all of you who have put one if not multiple kids through college... A tip of the hat. A testament to yourself and the work ethic you've instilled in your children. I'm saddened to not have her around the house but this is a temporary and necessary step in her journey. I hope my rant wasn't too incoherent. The midget's English teacher might mark these few paragraphs with a bunch of red. I'm glad you guys are a little more forgiving. 

Cheers!

[foursite12]

Javi,

Many of us can identify with much of what you're feeling. By the time you blink, you will be at her graduation, so pay attention and make each moment count.

[BrightonCorgi]

They grow up so quick!

[ElJavi76]

Thanks for just looking and to those who've commented thanks as well. It's just a new chapter in our lives. Part of the human experience. I forgot what I did or didn't do when I was 18. Tough letting go, but control is an optical illusion. 

We're just light moving thru space. There's beauty in experiencing all of these emotions. 

[Derboesekoenig]

I can't imagine that feeling, as I don't have any kids, but I am sure it was tough letting go. At least she isn't too far away

Good luck with everything buddy! This calls for a celebratory stogie!

[SigmundChurchill]

I still have 3 more years before I am in your position with my oldest.  I can only imagine what it feels like.  I imagine it to feel something like the first time we sent our kids to sleep away camp, only there, at least they have adult supervision, so maybe not so much.

I’m sure she was nervous at first, but I know she will feel right at home at college in no time.  Everyone else is in the same boat as her, and I know, since she had you as a role model, she will make friends quickly.

[havanaclub]

Javi,
You can tell you are a proud papa!! Congrats to you are your wife for raising a beautiful daughter. She looks like mom! all the best in her athletic and academic career.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Danimalia]

Congrats on raising such a wonderful young woman, and I feel for how emotional this must be for you.

Also, a tip of the hat to all the step-parents out there. I was lucky enough my mom married a great guy, and I have a lot of love and gratitude for my stepdad. More than my biological Dad in many ways, because my Stepdad didn't have to treat my like one of his own. It really means a lot to have that love and support;

[ElJavi76]

I'm getting emotional again reading your comments. Thank you Elliot @SigmundChurchill, Brent @havanaclub, Dan @Danimalia, Andrew @Derboesekoenig, and the rest of you for your kind words. 

Just like it's rewarding to treat a young child like they're your own... Nothing is better than getting that unconditional love from said child. We worry as parents but it's what we're supposed to do. Dan your comments really got to me cause I feel like my wife and I have done just that for each other's kid(s). Best blended family ever. 

Someone suggested a celebratory cigar... I'm gonna dry box a Talisman for this weekend. I'll blame any tears on the smoke. LoL 

You guys are the best! 

Thank you sincerely.