It was just about thirteen years ago that I took my only daughter to her first day of kindergarten. I went to work and was a wreck. I was petrified for her. I couldn't protect her from the evil forces of the world. I cried all day long. One of my co-workers, a young man with no children, made a comment about how silly I was being. I told him when he had kids, he would understand.

All went well. She had a blast that first day of kindergarten, and she has been a fan of school since and an excellent student.

Today, I dropped her off for her last day of high school. There was no crying today. My tears had already been shed last night. I hid in my bedroom and wept inconsolably into my husband's chest for what seemed like forever because "things will never be the same." My emotions run the gamut. I am so happy for my daughter who has blossomed into a beautiful, confident, and intelligent young lady. She has well-laid plans to begin college in the fall. Still, I am afraid. My role in her life is drastically altered. I don't know what that means, and I am just as afraid for myself as I am for her.

It was just over six months ago that I married the man who held me in his arms and told me that things will be different, but they the future is very promising. The most profound thing that he did for me was to say that he understood why I was so upset. "There were times when it was just you and Celia against the world." Yep! He said let me know it was ok to feel the overwhelming emotion that I was feeling.

I am still emotional, but I know that today marks the first day of the rest of our lives - mine and Celia's. I know they are going to be full and wonderful lives.

This post was originally aired on Facebook as a note on May 29th 2009. This is life. I was so afraid to let my little girl go. Well here we are almost three years later and we are both doing fine.

Celia is not quite the fan of school that she used to be, but she is doing alright. She is studying to be a counselor and I know she is gonna be great.

The man I mentioned above, still holds me when I cry. He also is the father of my only son, and it is comforting to know that this man will be by my side when my little boy goes to kindergarten and then to college.

This is my life and my beautiful family.