To the Parents of the Class of 2023,

Treasure every moment with your graduate this summer. The college drop-off is coming, and I need you to know that I cried the ugly cry most of the drive home when I dropped my daughters off at college for the first time. I invested 18 years of my life into these amazing humans. Was I supposed to just walk away and let them go? The answer was yes. The actual goal of parenting is to launch our babies into adulthood. Don't worry; I received many phone calls and texts, especially during freshman year. Facetime really became a thing for us during the college years. I began developing friendships with my children when they entered college, and now I cherish them.

Other CCA parents who have also experienced the college drop-off have some advice to offer you as you enter the last summer before launching your child into the world.

• Let the student enjoy as much free time with friends and family as possible. They worked hard at CCA and needed a break before college.
• Start giving them more freedom. It helps both of you see they can handle it.
• Write your son/daughter a handwritten letter with your best advice/words of wisdom....write scripture references, too. Leave it in an envelope in their dorm room after you move them in. Your child can always go back to it and read it as often as they'd like, especially on the tough days.
• Start packing and buying dorm items early in the summer. The summer goes by really fast.
• Print out pictures of family, friends, pets, etc., for them to have in their dorm room.
• Consider taking a family trip or a solo adventure to a place you've always wanted to go. It could be a road trip, a beach vacation, or an overseas adventure. Traveling can be a great way to relax and recharge before the college begins.
• Create digital and visual reminders to pray for your child during this transition. While it is a season of letting go for you, remember God never lets go of them. The discipline of prayer really makes a difference.
• Give yourself a lot of grace during this season of transition. It will get easier. 
• Know that the Lord has you and your child in His grip. Everything poured into your student over the years will bear fruit! Be still and watch Him work.
• Cherish every moment with your child before they leave, even the mundane, hectic, or stressful ones. If they want you to stop what you're doing to do something with them, do it! Even if it's something you're not that into. Meet them where they're at. Hug them and fill their ears with the truth about who God is and who they are every day. Tell them how excited you are for them and that they have what it takes to do this!

CCA and your parenting have prepared your child well for the adventure of college. They are ready to launch. I pray your summer is filled with beautiful, life-giving moments for you and your student.