Dear Darlings,

We just dropped Lucas off at the University of Mary Washington. This is the letter that my heart wrote in the still hours of the night as I contemplated life without Lucas around all of the time…

To my sweet, blond boy,

It’s 4:15 in the morning. I’ve been awake since around 3:30 with thoughts of you swirling in my head. Thankfully, you are tucked up in your bed, snoring peacefully and dreaming big dreams of the adventure that awaits you when you wake up.

Today you embark on a whole new chapter in your life. A new path. A new start. I couldn’t be more proud of you and who you’ve become. When I was pregnant with each of you, I would try to envision who you would grow up to be. Those dreams can’t even begin to touch the reality of who you are. But there is more in store for you. Your new adventure lies in front of you, and I can’t wait to see all of the great things you will accomplish in this big, wide world of ours.

Your life is, and always has been, an empty book. Up until this point we’ve been helping you hold the pen and guide your story. Today, we turn over the pen to you. Today, you become not only the hero of your story, but the sole author as well. The sheets in front of you are blank and ready to write your story. And I can’t wait to read it!

As you begin to write this next chapter in your life, I want to make sure you know a couple of things. Things I’m sure I’ve told you before, but want to make sure they’re written down, in black and white…

I am so very proud of you. You are a young man with a heart of gold. You see the best in everyone and are a champion for your friends. Your loyalty never waivers and for that my heart bursts with pride. I hope your heart is always protected and you never lose that core part of who you are.

Be the leader. Keep being the example for others to follow. You’ve worked hard in so many ways this past year. Take those lessons learned and pass them on to you fellow students.

Learn. Work hard. Strive for excellence. You deserve every opportunity this new chapter has to offer. Run with it.

I’m going to miss hearing you yelling at your computer. I’m going to miss seeing the mischievous sparkle in your eyes as you try to sneak a peanut butter and nutella sandwich past me and into your room. I’m going to miss the hugs I’ve been stealing from you more and more frequently. I’m going to miss the day-to-day of having you here. But it’s time for you to go experience life without the day-to-dayness of being at home.

I know I promised you I wouldn’t cry in front of you, and I’ll try hard to keep my promise. I’ll keep reminding myself what I’ve been trying so hard to remember all this time…”I’m happier for you than sad for myself.”

Today, as we move you into your swanky new digs, aka your dorm room, know that all of us are proud of you! We all see greatness in you. I want to read your story, hear your adventures. I want you to go forth and set the world on fire! I want you to soar! But know…we are here for you. Always.

Love Always,

Mom