Hi everyone, welcome to thanks for being here a short weekly pod to remind us of the many essential

and beautiful ways we affect one another. Every Sunday I'll read a submission from a listener,

Kelly Corrigan wonders, could be wedding vows or about mitzvah toast, a eulogy, or retirement speech.

We believe this is probably the loveliest way to tap into our better selves and remember

our highest values. We encourage you to share this podcast each week with one person you love.

Maybe someone you miss need to bring closer. Someone you want to feel your appreciation or admiration

or both. This is thanks for being here.

Today's thanks for being here is from a listener named Shelley Russell. Please share this with

your dear friends who are struggling through this crazy transition.

Hi Kelly, this is a letter I wrote my departing for college daughter last fall. We were poised the way

parents are between pride and anxiety about our child leaving the nest, especially since she was

flying oh so very far away from that nest. She was leaving small town Arkansas and landing 1200

miles away in lovely snowy New Hampshire. I think this letter might resonate with other moms who

want to tuck every last bit of advice and commentary into their kids pockets before they leave.

I'm happy to report Zoe is living her best life up there at Dartmouth and she takes some pride

in her academic success. But somehow more excitement about her title as sock wrestling champ,

not only against her sorority sisters but also against their fraternity champion.

I worry a little that sock wrestling might be a euphemism for something a mom doesn't want to know

anymore about. Trying not to think about that, not my journey, right? Thanks for considering my letter.

I've enjoyed your books over the years and your podcasts more recently. I take your parenting

insights to heart and I find comfort that so many of us are walking similar paths. Cheers.

This is the letter that Shelley Russell wrote to her daughter, Zoe.

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