There's a hole in my house.

My oldest daughter moved into her dorm room today, and that created this giant void here at home.

Everyone said that 18 years would go by so fast, but that 's not it. I soaked up and made the most of every minute. I'm not worried that she's too young to make her way. She's smart, resourceful, beautiful, has personality, and could have taken on the world at 10. So, that's not it either.

She exudes this energy. Her enthusiasm for everything is contagious. To her, Life is a giant sampler platter. For 18 years, I watched in awe as she grew into the type of person that everyone should be. There is no one on the planet I enjoy more - AND SHE'S GONE - 17 whole blocks away.

I HATE THIS! I HATE THIS! I HATE THIS!

My throat is on fire.

It's just so strange. It feels like there's a hole in my house.

How do parents do this?

Look at the bright side. She's going to college where she'll get to experiment with boys and booze and learn subversive, anti-American sentiments from professors like me!

Your daughter will be a filthy communist before you know it.

:hihi: