It's almost graduation time for Katie.

I can't believe that my sweet little girl will be graduating college next Saturday!! After 5 years, it's finally time to leave the University of Maine at Farmington and start the journey of the rest of her life. She would have graduated last year, but she switched her major from elementary ed to secondary ed so she could teach high school English. She has such a passion for it; I'm so proud of her!! She has actually earned a double-major; both in teaching. She has done so well, and has accomplished so much!

I'm so, so, so grateful to God for keeping her safe, and for being there the many, many times I really wanted to be there and give her a "mommy hug" as she was going through different stressful times. It was so hard to only be able to listen over the phone as she'd be struggling with various homework assignments, feeling so overwhelmed and not sure if she would be able to finish a task on time. I'd talk her through as much as I could, but after hanging up, there was nothing more I could do for her except send urgent prayers to God asking if He'd give her huge hugs from me and let her know He was there; since she couldn't have the mommy hug, I knew having a hug from The Father would be wonderful. So many times I wanted to get in the van and drive the hour and a half (82 miles) to be with her; however, it wasn't always an option.  But, between God's hugs and Presence, the incredible professors at UMF, and Katie's tenacity, she was always able to pull through.  She is such a wonderful, incredible, sweet, darling young lady.  I love her so much that it actually takes my breath away.

It really doesn't seem like it's been five years. I have gotten to know Route 2 very well. All the little twists and turns of the road; the extensive re-paving/widening of a certain section of it; the roads that the logging trucks take so I either have to slow down to let them turn into the roads, or I have to be extra careful as they pull out in front of me.  I have also had many, many "conversation" with God asking Him to keep both Katie and Alex safe. Actually, some of my best "conversations" are while I'm driving. Speaking of conversations, I will have to end this one right now. I'm so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open. I've been trying to get to bed "early" the past few night, but that means I am getting up a LOT earlier, too. ugh.

Goodnight Baby Girl!!!  I'm so proud and happy for you!!