When I left

I was 19 when I moved away from home to attend college. My dad drove me from Iowa to San Diego, a city I'd never been, to drop me off for school. I was nervous but ready. My parents were heart-broken and not ready but they encouraged me anyway. They had raised me to be a responsible, capable adult and this was the first test. Would I make it? Would I be too homesick to branch out of the nest? I know a lot of people who would rather keep their kids at home as long as possible. My parents wanted me near them at all times too. But they knew it wouldn't be best for me. I was a growing adult and needed to grow on my own. And they took the hardship, knowing it was best for me. I am so thankful for them.