tedarnold's blog: "Ted Wilson"

We stopped by a building as my daughter got out of the car. The building was called 'Phillips' as she stood in front of the door. Eyes big as saucers, she smiled ear to ear like the cat in Alice in wonderland.  That moment, seeing her smile, was priceless.                      

The building was a college dormitory. The event was her first day on campus. I guess a tear should have came to my eye but instead it was replaced by a wry smile on my face as the inside of my soul was filled with joy. She was finally on her own. The first day of college is usually filled with long lines and complete chaos of bodies and furniture and parents still telling their grown up kid what to do. However, for me, it was filled with smiles, joy, and laughter because i was nothing more than a tag along! I waited in line with my daughter for the different things she needed and asked her where she had to go next. She figured every thing out. The only thing I did was buy her lunch and of course, payed for her textbooks. We took pictures for the last time and hugged good bye. She called her grandma and said 'I am in my dormroom Nana!!' with the excitement of someone winning the lottery! Although I exaggerate,  there is nothing compared to being 18 and being free to make your own choices, to make up your own mind, free to do anything anytime. There is also nothing like being happy to go to the school  you want, taking the classes you like without being told what to take and what career you are going to do. My daughter is a grown up woman now and most importantly, she is free...