Monumental Sigh of Relief.

My dear daughter and firstborn, Emily, has been in school since she was TWO. The ensuing 15 years? Angst. Pure angst. Just ask Em. She'll tell you the truth: The angst has all been all Mom's.

Lordy, how I've suffered. I agonized over her preschool choice and was beyond delighted when she got into the absolute best one in town, Bet Yeladim. So what if she was the only shiksa in the whole school? We genuinely enjoyed observing many extra holidays, especially Purim and Passover, proudly, if clumsily, celebrating with the Seder Plate she made in school. One of Emily's teachers appreciated Emily's prodigious understanding of sarcasm. Ah, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

The next 15 years in a snapshot: Emily followed her heart and Mom stressed hers out. Oy. My little girl hated homework as much as I did. Ah, my little apple.

Before you know it, it's TIME. The testing. The search for the perfect college. That is, one that suits everyone's needs AND will take the kid. Cue wildly racing heart.

THIS IS WHAT YOUR CHILD'S LIFE HAS BEEN ALL ABOUT. All the years of sturm and drang. All the hair pulling, the fights, the tears, the joys.



Monumental sigh of relief.