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Health & Fitness

Right of Passage: The Journey Begins

What is a Right of Passage all about anyway? An event to mark one of life's milestones. For my graduate 'Right of Passage' is a beach trip. What will my own 'Right of Passage' be?

This promises to be the shortest summer on record for 'mom who graduated baby girl soon to elope to college campus'. My daughter's journey into adulthood is official and soon my journey with solitude will begin.

In a few short weeks, we will both be on our own. Both mother and daughter following a new path! Our minds will be filled with tension over the unknowns and the bustle of preparations. Our heats will be filled with anticipation for fulfilling our dreams and thrilled with excitement for the new and unexpected.  Our souls will be strengthened by the challenges that ride shotgun with growth and change.

And even though I've anticipated this moment, this juncture, and this life-altering event on the horizon. Even though I've known this change was upon us, with many more ahead one right after the other, and the transition would be tough...

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Even though, I've tried to prepare myself mentally, physically, emotionally, financially and haven taken time to resurrect lost hobbies, old friendships, community activities and yes, some romance...

Even though I've taught my daughter many things, including laundry and cooking, and how to read strangers and drive safely; how to save money, eat well and exercise; when to call a doctor and when to help yourself; how to take the world by storm and yet still take things easy; how to trust without being naïve and to wear a hat in the winter. Even though she will be rooming with others and is oh so smart and worldly...

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I worry. Yes, i worry. Even though the Good Book says it's futile. I worry that she won’t call home often enough. That she will try to be so capable she will not reach out when she needs me. That she will be unprepared in all my preparedness for some something that is bound to occur that could break her heart. This I know is part of the transition. But manoman, it's gonna be tough.

At the graduation party, daughter and friends are making plans for their 'Right of Passage' beach trip. The drive there (no parents), the hotel room (no parents), the adventures they will share (no parents). My hands fly over my ears and I start humming loudly. One minute she is playing hide and seek, and the next minute she is all dolled up and commanding the stage. But then again, so am I.

What will my own ‘Right of Passage’ be? And when will it begin? Perhaps I'll plan my graduation party and plan a beach trip with my friends as well (no children - doesn’t sound near as much fun yet).

What is a Right of Passage all about anyway? An event to mark one of life’s milestones, a journey begins and another concludes. And I know that neither of us arrived at this point without the help of many others. And neither will complete the next leg without the help of each other. So although, and even though, we walk, or run, or stumble along new paths, we will always be together, sharing our journey, as mother and daughter, as friends, as family. Perhaps sharing less, and sharing in a new way, but always there for one another.

Duluth High Graduating Class of 2013, Hail oh hail to thee! You have served your students and their parents well. We are proud alumni and respect every teacher who has pushed and persuaded, every administrator who has extended kind words, every coach and counselor who has guided us through the briars and brambles to the fields of victory, and every mom and dad who helped me parent along the way. She graduated with honors!

We are courageous, proud, and admitedly nervous. And so, the journey begins!

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