Yesterday

(This week my family went through a major transition as my daughter moved away to college. I wrote the following in response to the strange set of emotions this event has elicited in me. I promise I'll get back to the kinds of postings you expect from an emotionless geek after this brief indulgence.)

It seems like just yesterday, my little girl was shyly hiding behind my legs any time a stranger was near… Today she is a beautiful, confident and fiercely independent young woman.

Yesterday we dropped her off at college and drove away without her… Today she is beginning a grand new adventure without us – as it should be.

Yesterday I knew this day would come… Today I wished it hadn’t - yet it also feels strangely right.

Yesterday when she was a baby she would fall asleep with her head resting on my chest… Today she sleeps on a pillow hundreds of miles away – so why does my chest feel so heavy?

Yesterday she thought everything I said was true… Today she argues with me about politics (or anything) – and holds her own.

Yesterday my son was tormented by his older sister… Today he thinks being tormented sounds pretty good.

Yesterday it was my job to protect and manage… Today it is to advise (when asked).

Yesterday my daughter begged us to leave the big city we stopped in during a vacation because the homeless people frightened her… Today she is living in that same city.

Yesterday she was my little girl… Today, she still is. And she will be tomorrow.

Yesterday when she was a toddler she came up to me and handed me a rock, explaining that it was because she loves me… Today she tells me the same thing through a text message (but I still have the rock).

Yesterday it was hard to remember what it was like before I was a Dad… Today I’m wondering how the time went by so quickly.

Yesterday I thought there was nothing more important than being a good Dad... Today I understand even more why that’s true.

Yesterday I wished I had spent more time with her… Today it’s too late.

So how are you going to spend your time today… so you don’t regret it tomorrow?