A New Season: Personal Notes (Jill)

In the midst of writing my current WIP, things have been busy. My oldest daughter's been receiving boatloads of college pamphlets, talking with the college recruiters at school, and arranging visits to the schools that interest her.  I'm still in a state of shock. Didn't I just give birth to her a year or two ago? Wasn't it only a few months ago that she sang the ABC's? I don't feel old enough to have a graduating senior in the house.

On Friday, she attended an expo arranged by my alma mater. So we dropped her off, then amused ourselves on campus for six hours. During the free time, my husband and I walked campus while I pointed out all the things that had changed or been added. I also cried a bit as I realized she really is old enough to do this, even though I feel woefully unprepared. We walked the mile-plus distance to the financial offices to discuss billing and financial planning, then rode the bus back (perhaps it was due to shock). A fortifying meal of burgers at Five Guys followed.

As I watched the students and professors attend classes and present lectures, I peered beneath my nostalgia. My husband and I were entering a new season in our lives. What did I want? Where did I want to go from here?

Since my college graduation (a long time ago), an idea had lurked in the back of my mind. Maybe I'd return, take a few creative writing classes. Or maybe I'd sign up to get my MFA. Despite my "what if" ideas about going back to school,  I realized I'm done attending college -- at least for right now. It's my kids' turn to attend college and learn as much as they can.

Who knows what will happen after that? Although I'll continue to grow and learn, for now I'm content with where I am in life. It feels pretty good. My motto this year is #Godsgotthis. I'll just have to remember that when the first bill for college arrives in the mail.