With my daughter's departure today for college, my wife and I become official empty nesters (with our son already away in his sophomore year at college).

Jayne, my heart aches that I will no longer know the daily joy of living in the same house with you. But I am comforted by Ecclesiastes 3:1:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

It is time for you to move on to the next season of your life. You are ready to take on the challenges of college.  I am sorry that I need to teach today and cannot join you and your mother on the long trek. But I am counting down the days until I see you at orientation next week.

I am in awe of your breathtaking beauty, buoyant intelligence, exuberant personality, radiant spirit, strong character, and herculean work ethic.  I am of course proud of your many academic accomplishments. But I am prouder still of simply who you are and the woman you are becoming.

I am grateful for the close relationship we now enjoy after surviving some rocky times in your early teens. Although your mother and I recently gave you a hard time when you celebrated your 18th birthday by getting a tattoo, we were secretly honored that you chose to have our and your brother’s initials –- PCR –- permanently stained into your skin. 

Remember always that your mother and I love you beyond all measure. And that God loves you infinitely more. Being your father has been the great honor and privilege of my life.

P.S. BUT please remind me again why I bought you this present last Christmas: