Today is the Day....

I could hardly sleep last night. I tossed, turned, and thought about my future as a college freshman.

You see, today is my first day of classes. I have enrolled, bought my books, have a brand new MacBook Pro laptop, and have brand new notebooks begging me to write in them. I am officially, at the age of 33, a full-time college student.

Four courses. 12 semester hours. Surely I am not crazy, right? And surely I can and will succeed. I am doing this for myself and more importantly? My daughters. I want to show them that it never is too late to pursue your dreams. That anything is possible when you ultimately make that decision to succeed.

I am pursuing my degree in elementary education. That is the one job that I have always wanted...for as long as I can remember that is the job that I have wanted.

Wish me luck...I am about to log in to my online courses for my first day. And for the record? I still have butterflies in my tummy just like I did when I went to school so many years earlier....

Good Luck, Baby Brother

Adam,

I cannot believe I am typing this.

I cannot believe you leave on Wednesday.

The time has come for you to begin your transition into an adult.

In my mind I have always pushed this day out of my mind, out of my head, out of my thoughts.

I think in my own way I was trying to not see the inevitable. You have grown up.

In May I proudly watched you walk down and get your diploma.

I stood proud knowing how well you have always done in school, knowing all of your accomplishments and knowing everything you will achieve in the future.

Do you know I remember so vividly about when you were born?

I remember Mom going to the hospital.

I remember wearing my alley cat t-shirt that had neon puffy paint on it. Man I loved that shirt!

I remember seeing you and oohing and ahhing over you.

I think we thought you were our own personal and alive baby doll.

I remember spoiling you rotten when you were little.

I remember how we used to sneak you out of your crib at naptime because we could hear you talking in your room--Kristi and I KNEW you weren't tired and that all you really wanted was to play with your big sisters.

I remember how sweet you were (and still are) and how much you loved your big sisters.

I remember being so protective over you.

I remember your first crush on Kelly Taylor from down the street.

I remember you playing sports and how great you were at them.

I remember taking you to the mall.

I remember taking you to get ice cream.

I remember how your face would light up after seeing what Santa brought you.

I wish you luck at Mizzou, Adam.

I know you will not need it, but I think it's always nice to have a little extra luck laying around just in case.

I can't wait to send you your first care package. I hope you like it and I hope you won't be too embarrassed getting stuff from your big sis.

We love you, baby brother.

I can't wait to hear all of your fun stories about college.

Love,

Your most favorite oldest sis