Clare and Wooster! #gladsheisascot #Mcleod&proud

Milestone- Clare delivered to college. Her school- she found it.  All the coaching and help made it an amazing day. So many to thank- it starts with our parents: Jim and Nadine, Mike and Jeanne- they gave Joe and me our amazing liberal arts educations.  The Denison parents and colleagues that coached me to coach Clare.  Clare's teachers, her other parents and coaches, camp leadership, FRIENDS that helped shape her to be who she is right now and so right for Wooster! Cousin Cathy- your role mattered too- thank you for the first visit and today's welcome. Big picture and small details like the beautiful dorm items from Mattimoes and Love/Fullers and packing tips and loans.  Joe is my parenting partner and I'm proud of us too. Clare we're proud of you, so happy for you- grateful for you and how well you've led this transition.

So it was a great day. Clare had it all organized- she watched and took advice from others.  Granted camp packing and unpacking played a role in her preparedness-mentally and physically.  We packed last night and this am.  Peter saw Clare off but stayed home with Lucy.  Cathy coached us and we arrived early to beat "line-up".  Part of the fun of Wooster will be exploring a beautiful new area- we commenced that today with Amish Country breakfast and happy to say we passed a horse and buggy. Wooster had it all organized with great help and fun welcome touches.  Her roommate is sweet, from Chicago- feels like a nice fit.  Clare's visits and team engagement with lax had her reconnecting with a number of folks.  Family matters and makes a difference. Joe's 1st cousin Cathy works in Admission and has been such a help. Her daughter Sara was great for Sally and really helped  Clare too with room set-up!

The school's traditions resonate with us- the arch walk, the McLeod plaid, the kilt, the Scot theme but it goes much deeper. The welcome in the chapel was amazing- so well done. I'm pretty impressed.  The kids like to make fun of how in our life on Newark-Granville Road we think Denison is the end all be all. Of course, we love Denison and are proud of our Alma mater. I can't say it enough- Wooster is fabulous- today we joined the family and we're really pleased Clare will call it home.

Life on Newark-Granville Road will be different without our Clare.  Immediate observations- the time has come- time to add Wooster magnet/decals to the cars!  Which goes where? I love the options- well done Wooster book store!  Sally will move into Clare's room- future project.  Sally has scanned Clare's left-behinds and is loving a pair of Lululemon leggings. She says Clare said- whatever is left you can have? Hmmm?

I type this so happy, so at peace, so content with this phase, chapter, journey.  We golfed in front of Clare's Kindergarten teacher yesterday. The memories have been around each corner-and a treat for the weekend's family meals. What a beautiful 18 years to get to this point.  Teary at times- not your typical times.  I didn't cry leaving the town of Wooster or hugging her goodbye.  I welled up during the amazing welcome presentation showcasing the awesome global representation at her school.  I realized when I left my breakfast drink on the counter and have nibbled my fingernails lower than ever I've had some anxiety over this day.  I'm supposed to- I'm her Mom. I think we all kept it in check so the day came and was a dream. Well done Clare- we're very proud, pleased and grateful.   Enjoy, soak it in and love it- you are ready, you chose well.