blogs

Just about a year ago I wrote a blog called "Last of the Firsts," talking about Nicholas' first year and all the holidays that marked it. These days, I find myself on the other end, as my stepdaughters wrap up their high school careers. We went to Hannah's final winter guard competion over the weekend; Emily finished cross country last semester, but since she's still running track that didn't seem quite so final. It's such a tired cliche, but it's true: it goes so fast. So many of my best memories over the last four years are tied to a high school event - even the band review where the pregnancy hormones kicked in and I started crying like a total goof. I've learned what to look for in color guard performances, how FFA teaches you about parlimentary procedure, and that you always bring Gatorade and water (for the runners) and peanuts (for the parents) to track meets. Their high school years have certainly been more exciting than mine were. I couldn't be prouder of these girls if I'd birthed them, and I'm melancholy to leave all this behind. But I'm excited to see what they do in college and where life takes them after that. I just hope I get to go along for the ride.