As the last weeks of summer slipped away and fall arrived, a bittersweet anticipation took over our house — at least, that’s how I feel. Our only child is starting her final year of high school, a milestone marked with joy but also many other complex emotions unique to military life.
The Last First Day
As her culminating year unfolds with all of the “last” milestones, like the last first day of school, the last homecoming, the last equestrian competition, and the last college entrance essay written, there’s an underlying current of excitement for what lies ahead. Our daughter’s future is filled with limitless possibilities, and thanks to an amazing group of senior class parents, these opportunities were sweetly celebrated at a senior sunrise event she attended.
While we feel the weight of impending separation, there’s also hope and optimism. We know that this new phase will bring a new set of challenges and opportunities. We’re eager to support her as she takes off on her biggest journey to date.
We Did the Best We Could
For many parents, the senior year of high school is a whirlwind of celebrations and farewells, a time to bask in the pride of watching a child reach adulthood. However, as a military family, our experience is often colored by the notion of “we did the best we could” while dealing with deployments and multiple moves. We’ll always question if we chose the right schools or if our daughter was affected by too much one-on-one time with me and too little time with her dad while he was away.
Time for Reflection
Her senior year is also a period of overall reflection. We often look back and marvel at how she has adapted and sometimes even thrived despite her world of constant change. At the same time, we’re also reflecting on our own journey as parents. We hope the sacrifices we’ve made and the resilience we’ve struggled for are mirrored in our girl’s mental and emotional growth. Gratefully, I believe navigating the challenges of military life has forged a strong family bond she will carry into young adulthood. As we prepare to let go, we’re also learning to embrace a new chapter of our lives.
Wrapped in Melancholy
A sense of melancholy exists alongside our pride, admiration and excitement. The impending departure to college and the next phase of life sometimes feels like a loss. The concept of “home” is fluid for military families, but the idea of our child leaving the nest introduces a new layer of uncertainty.
There’s also the melancholy of seeing her leave behind the high school community that has become her support system. The friends she’s made and the teachers and coaches who have guided her will soon become cherished memories. The idea of our daughter navigating these changes alone tugs at our hearts.
Ultimately, I think the mixed emotions we’re experiencing are a testament to our love and dedication for our one and only girl. As we navigate this final year of high school, we’re embracing the complexity of our feelings, knowing that each emotion serves a healing purpose to put each one of us on a forward path to the future.
P.S., It’s Not Too Late to Learn About Paying for College
I’m grateful that I’ve spent her high school years slowly learning about paying for college with my husband’s GI Bill. There’s a lot to uncover, and every college seems to handle some of the details differently, especially if you’re considering applying for the Yellow Ribbon Program. If you have a senior and feel a little behind in learning how to pay for college, these blogs will point you in the right direction.
