August 29 – 31, 2024 UBC Here She Comes

I stared into my daughter’s room, a knot formed in my throat as I thought back to all the times she smiled back at me. She sat on the floor and gathered her things, barely taking the time to see me there. 

This was the last time I’d see her as a child in her room. 

A child no more. Was it really the last time?

It was not the last time ever, I was sure about that. Yet it was a goodbye to her childhood. Or was it me saying goodbye and her saying hello to her future?

It was eighteen years, eight months, and two weeks ago when we first made that bedroom hers.

Eighteen years. Wow, it sure doesn’t feel like it’s been that long since my amazing daughter entered my life. Not every kid gets to have the same bedroom all their childhood. Even though we shared her time with her mom and they had many rooms along the way. She’s always had the same place in my home – in my heart.

She shooed me out the door and smiled shyly at me. “I need some time Dad.”

Time, wow time has sure gone fast. Marijke was no longer a child, she was now a woman. Setting out on her own path.

The next few days have passed in a blur. Much like the last few years, time keeps flying along. We stood in her new dorm room this morning. It was a much smaller room in a much bigger place. I hugged her tight, holding on to those precious moments. Wishing I could just make time stand still. In my heart she will always be that little girl who runs up to me and says, “Daddy I love you.”

Her dorm room was a simple place filled with hope and expectations. She was sorting through everything she now had, organizing and putting everything in its place. She fit right into that new room, an energy filled her that made me proud. Her mom stared at us, tears edging her eyes I could feel the pride and anxiety flow through us all. 

This was a brand-new step in life. 

She was officially moved into The University of British Columbia. It felt surreal walking the hallway of her new home. This would be her world for the next year and beyond. A big wide world opening up at her fingertips. 

I hugged my wife and looked at the University campus. I felt filled with hope and pride at what her future holds. It’s a great big campus, a great big city and a great big world she is facing. 

She will be just fine.