Off to University of Mary

Last weekend was an exciting, yet pretty emotional time.  We spent the week preparing to take Michaela back to Bismarck for college.  Shannon, Michaela, Max, Katherine and I left Friday afternoon with a pickup loaded with M's worldly possessions.    

She worked her tail off this summer taking classes as well as working so that she wouldn't lose a year as a transfer student.  Following her final exam she said she'd NEVER take a summer course again. Within 48 hours, the misery must have subsided because she was plotting how she could become an EMT next summer.
And have a job.
And go rafting more.
And babysit a family or two.
Dear me.

As we drove east, the tears and an enormous lump in our my throat grew by the mile.  Saturday was blustery and rainy as we moved Michaela into her dorm, which kinda matched my not-so-happy attitude.

Michaela's sweet friend, Marie, stopped by to say goodbye and help load the truck.

These girlies will miss each other, but I pray will remain friends.  

Ready to roll....now we just have to wait for Dad to take care of some last minute business.  

Nothing like prolonging the anxiety!

Finally!  

A dorm room to call my own!

Sisters~

Soon Kath may be joining Michaela.

Whiule trying to decide whether to accompany us or not, 

Kath asked, "Do you think it will be harder to say goodbye at home or if I go along?"

Tear....

Windy city, Bismarck is.

We told Michaela to go fly a kite.

Even though it was difficult to begin the next phase of this "raising children journey," it was awesome....kind of a hurts so good kinda thing.  (yes, I just totally dated myself)
Monsignor Shea, the president of the college, left our hearts completely at peace as he delivered his homily at Sunday Mass.  But it's been even better since then as Michaela finds her niche, her groove, and settles in.  Her voice is happy again.  She's loving her professors.  She's growing in ways that I'm not sure she would have had she remained at Carroll.  We'll see what the future holds, there are going to be tough times and difficult classes, but this day, this moment, is good!