A New Soundtrack to My Days 🎶

Hi ,

My new favorite sound is the unique text ping I’ve set for my daughter, Kalyra.

I’ve given both my girls their own notification sounds, so I know when it’s them. Most of the time, their texts are just quick requests for me to be Uber or ATM (parents, you know the drill!).

But this week, that little ping has meant something more.

Last weekend, we dropped Kalyra off at college—UNCW in Wilmington, just two hours away. And while it’s close, this feels so much different than when she left for a 10-day Europe trip earlier this year. Back then, I knew she was coming home. This time, she’s stepping into her own life, and home will never be quite the same again.

It’s a bittersweet adjustment. The sadness of missing her presence in our daily life is real. Yet there’s so much joy in watching her navigate this unknown world with courage and openness.

She’s a natural introvert, but she’s already surprised me with how she’s putting herself out there—sharing meals with new friends, laughing at the Southern formality of handshakes from the boys, joining in on campus events, enjoying Wrightsville Beach (until Hurricane Erin whipped up some wild surf), and yes, even going to frat parties.

On top of that, she’s laser-focused on her goal of getting into the highly competitive nursing program at UNCW. I’m so proud of her determination.

I reminded her: “With the travel life you’ve lived, and the unique challenges that came with it, you are probably more prepared than most to handle this new adventure.” And I can see that truth coming to life in her already.

Now, each text notification ping brings me joy. A simple sound that says, “I’m okay, Mom,” and sometimes even, “Let’s chat.” More calls than I expected, actually.

As for us at home, we’re finding our new rhythm as a family of three. Savannah is soaking up all the extra attention—and sneaking into her sister’s room to nap and borrow clothes. (Some things never change!)

We’re already counting down to Family Weekend when we’ll see her again… unless we can convince her to let us take her out for her 18th birthday in a few weeks. But something tells me that celebration belongs to her new circle of friends now.

UNCW has impressed us beyond measure—beautiful campus, strong support systems, a joyful atmosphere, and, of course, its location near one of our favorite beach towns in the US. Maybe all those years of feeling called to Wrightsville Beach weren’t about our story after all, but hers.

And so, life shifts. Our soundtrack changes. And we learn to embrace the new chapters with as much love, pride, and courage as we can.

Until the next ping,
Caroline

P.S. Oh and the joy of spending more time in Wilmington and Wrighstville Beach. My current obsession each time I visit - sunrise beach yoga followed my a swim 👇

And I kinda did a thing …. I’m a very late bloomer for this compared to most!