Well, I lived vicariously through my friends last week.

I traveled to the beach, and it was cold, apparently.

I also traveled to New York for a 24-hour stay. Then rode 30 hours home on a train across 12 states.

Whew. I was tired. It was hard work keeping up with everyone.

A group of 65 parents and students from PCS went to New York for the first part of spring break. For once, I was glad I wasn’t participating.

There was some confusion at the airport, causing some not to make it to their hotel until 2 a.m. the first night.

Then winter storm Stella appeared and sent everyone into chaos.

Many boarded the train, several rented vans, and a few weathered the storm and enjoyed the snow.

I’m sure everyone on the trip would have chosen the latter, except for the fact that the prom was Friday night.

Dresses had been bought, make-up and hair appointments made, flowers ordered and tuxes rented. I have a feeling most of those parents needed a vacation after their vacation.

The prom was enjoyed by all and was another milestone over for this senior mom. Only one nine-weeks left in the school year, with the next big event being graduation.

I’m not ready, but from experience, there is no way of stopping it.

Before long we will be coordinating dorm comforters and pillow shams.

There is nothing left to do, but to take a deep breath and enjoy every moment as much as possible.

I really wish someone had warned me about this part of motherhood. Maybe an added chapter in What to Expect When You’re Expecting.

The real goal is not to get them to sleep through the night, eat solid foods, potty train early, or walk before the age of one. The ultimate goal is to raise productive citizens that soar when leaving the nest. To raise independent, kind adults.

What we have all been doing, in fact, is teaching our children how to live without us. And it is both a rewarding and heartbreaking achievement all at the same time. It is the ultimate sacrifice to accomplish that goal.