One week ago today, I took my little girl to college. I had so many mix emotions on how I would respond. For two weeks she and I had not seen eye to eye on anything. Everything I did was wrong and everything she did upset me. Getting her off to college was no easy task. We left home late, my sister's breaks on her car locked up and it took three hours to get us back on our way. As we sat on I-16 head towards Savannah, I keep trying not to cry, trying to stay focused on the goal. Yet, every time I looked at Courtney some memory of a little girl kept rushing through my brain. We started on our way and my mind became preoccupied with getting to Savannah State University. As we finally arrived on the campus, we could very well tell that orientation for the day was over. We were pleased to find out that she did not miss much and could continue participating. We went to her dorm got her room assignment, unpack and went off to eat. It is amazing that she is not the little girl that I imagine, not the little girl who at six and seven years old, would lay down beside me and sleep for hours. Not even the little girl who would ride along beside me looking up in the sun roof of the car saying,"Mommie, look at the clouds, look at the clouds." She has actually became an independent young lady who was eager to test the water that life is now serving her. I sometimes don't want to let go, and each time that I do she always reminds me that, she is not a little girl. I always have to remind her that she is and always will be, I am willing to give her the space she needs to grow, but I will never completely let go. Courtney is my one and only daughter and I pride myself on knowing what this young lady will do with the life that God has so gracious lent to her. I am here sweet heart and I pray for you daily, no matter what I have ever said to you, YOU BRING ME JOY.