The Hardest Goodbye

When I was a kid, I devised elaborate plans of how I would grow up to be a teacher in good ol' Mulvane, Kansas. I'd be just like my third grade teacher, Mrs. Fike, who was my favorite because her husband owned a movie theater and she brought us huge bags of popcorn once a week. The arrangement would be perfect- I would be able to live with my mom even as a grown up! I dreamed of this perfect future as my mom, who I just knew was the most beautiful woman in the world, rubbed, patted, and tickled my back until I fell asleep.
"You'll have to find a husband who will rub your back for you," she'd say. I'd smile and nod, but I knew I'd never need a husband. Mom could have the job for life.



I went to high school, and I couldn't wait to move out. Then I went to college, and I couldn't wait to come back home for break. And now I'm moving to Baltimore, Maryland, the biggest step in my life so far. 1285 miles from Mulvane, the original dream, and 1285 miles away from my mom. That's more daunting than teaching 150 high schoolers a subject that I didn't major in.

My mom has unwaveringly been on my side for nearly 23 years. She worked full time my whole life but never missed a volleyball, basketball or softball game, track meet, piano recital, or band concert... she let me do that many extracurriculars and never complained about it. She has stood up for me when I didn't know to stand up for myself. She rubbed my back until I fell asleep all the way up til middle school, and admittedly, some nights in high school when I needed a dose of nostalgia.

I know I'm doing what I should be doing. I'm getting a head start at the career I've always wanted and the opportunity to attend one of the greatest universities out there. I'll be working with kids who will change the way I look at the world. I'll gain experiences that will make me a better, stronger person.

But I wouldn't be good or strong enough to do these things in the first place without my biggest supporter, my role model, and my best friend. I'm here, taking these wonderful opportunities, because of the the hard work she put into getting me here.

1285 miles just seems entirely too far away.