Catch-Up: College

This blog has lagged a bit while we've gone through that agonizing time known as college acceptance season. I haven't talked much about college on here. In general, I haven't let myself think too far ahead. It's just the way I try to stay sane.

After all, last year happened. Just as DD18 approached what is arguably the most critical time in her high school career (second half of junior year), she needed more brain surgery. Her toughest courses were on hold, AP exams were on hold, SAT testing was on hold: we just didn't know how it would play out. But she came through that with grit and determination and plowed through everything doggedly, as if she had a lot to prove. This cancer thing and its hateful side effects were not going to stop her if she had her way.

I think we can breathe now. She did well. She did very well. We are so thankful...in the toughest, most competitive college application year ever, she has very good choices (even great choices). She even has an offer of a full scholarship at one school, where they acknowledged her "significant personal resilience." I cried when I read that.

We never had any expectations...we thought it would work out, that she'd hopefully end up going somewhere close to home. There are a lot of choices around here, and there are a lot of ways to live your life. She didn't lose sleep over this phase in her life. I think she was just going to accept whatever happened. What other choice do any of us really have?

She might have made it look easy. I know she never complains about the hand she's been dealt, and it's been so hard keeping my mouth shut when I listen to other parents whine about the unfairness of certain teachers or coaches or other "obstacles" put in their kids way.

I don't know what the future may bring, but I do know I am very grateful for the opportunities presented to her. And I know she will take full advantage of everything offered her, because she has a deep appreciation for where she's been and how far she's come.