Jennifer at university move-in day

While they went to drop the car, I found a bench to sit on. It was placed against the cafeteria building, allowing me to step away from the drop-off chaos and take it all in. My daughter, the youngest, off to university. And not just my daughter, every parent there was moving their child to the next stage.

"It's a lot," I said as she sat beside me. 

"And we dropped our other daughter at school yesterday!"

So began my connection with Jennifer, an artist, a homemaker, mother of 3. Younger than me and holy hell more hip, dreadlocks and a very cool skirt, boots to match. Despite our differences, a shared experience made us the same in that moment.

"It's a weird feeling."

"I know, I don't think it's sinking in yet."

We talked and watched the other families, heard the raised voices, felt the irritation, witnessed some tears. 

My husband and daughter came back into view so I said goodbye but not without a hug. 

"You got this, Mom," one of us said.