My Daughter is Leaving Just as I’ve Finally Gotten to Know Her

She decided. It’s posted on Instagram, so it’s official. This weekend, my daughter made the decision about which college she will attend in the fall and clicked “accept.” I should be elated, filled with gratitude and relief, that this day has finally arrived. But somehow rather than celebrating, I feel like crying.

She will be leaving home in the Fall, going to live and learn in another city. I knew that was coming, but somehow it’s still a shock.

We’ve spent the last two years of high school...