It’s been a while since I sent off my firstborn to college. My heart was breaking. We cried all the way home from the airport, my husband and I.
Every time I’d see my youngest beaming at me as soon as the train pulled into Union station, my heart would break with joy. Curls flying, she’d be screaming ‘ I hate UPenn! Yayyyyy I’m home!’ And rush into my arms.

I guess that’s how it goes. Heartbreak. Joy. Acceptance. Sheer love.

Thanks for a lovely essay!