“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”
My Dad used to have quotes from Chinese philosophers all over his classroom. When we'd visit him I'd try to memorize as many as possible. Some have stayed with me. As cliche as it might be to have Chinese wisdom floating around in your brain, I've thought of the above quote a lot lately. A little because of the adventure Matt and I will soon embark on, but mainly because my youngest sister Chloe is about to begin her college career at BYU! I envy so much about the stage she is in. I vividly remember all the emotions that come with your college acceptance letter, high school graduation, first night in the dorms, first test in the testing center, all of it.
I'm only starting to understand what my parents meant every time they'd say "you have so much life ahead of you." That's how I feel about where Chloe is at. I'm so excited for all that she will experience, all of the inevitable highs and lows, because it's all part of finding yourself. Who you really are. The best part is, you get to choose. Every decision along the way is yours, and whatever you want to do or be is up to you. What could be more exciting than that!? I loved my college experience. Every bit of it. I learned from the hard times and lived it up during the good. The cruel joke is that you can never go back :)
I'm so proud of Chloe, she is so smart, beautiful, talented, genuine, kind, and just plain amazing. I know she is going to thrive at BYU and I can't wait to see all that she will accomplish over the next several years. I just wish I'd still be in Provo to hang out with her and my sisters. I've loved being home-base for my sisters, cousins, and brothers-in-law over the past couple years but times are changing. Chloe--you just need to know that even though I'll be in a different state, I'm always available for whatever you need. That has been the long standing policy with Stacie and Megan, they know they can call me anytime day or night for absolutely anything. Even though I wont have a home-cooked meal waiting for you down the road, I'll still be waiting to talk or listen. Anytime.
Go Cougars.
*photos courtesy ashley swapp photography*
