January 18th Lindsay goes back to college

After a month home it was time for Lindsay to go back to college.  The good thing was we did not have to drive the whole 3.5 hours today.  We met her roommate at a rest stop along the turnpike and they went off the rest of the way together.  With mixed emotions we drove off in opposite directions.
Lindsay got into the car, packed to the max I might add.  The girls all smiles drove away all excited to start their new semester and as roommates.  Mark pulled out of the rest stop and as we started our ride home and I have tears in my eyes.  Don't get me wrong, I am glad she is happy and after how hard it was for her the first few weeks to be away, to see her excited to get back to her friends is very reassuring.
After all,  I cried each time we drove Danielle back to school, even her senior year.  You would think I would get used to it :)
I should be glad...Lindsay is happy, the house is quiet.   I should get a better night sleep without her lead feet bouncing up and down the steps, she is not making the dog bark, I don't hear her ipod in the shower at 11p.
So I cried WHY?????  :)
I saw a quote the other day and it made me think of her as she goes back to school.
"Don't try so hard to fit in when you are born to stand out." Profound huh ??!!
I think it should be painted on every dorm room wall.  We all need to be reminded of this from time to time but there is so much pressure on kids between what they have to deal with in high school and college to fit in.  As a mom,  you want them to fit in but you want them to fit in because of who they truly are and not sacrifice any part of themselves in order to so this.
So as Lindsay starts this new semester, that I hope includes more school work, may she fit in by standing out.