I stood in a pensive mood, gazing out the window as my mind wrestled with a tide of emotions, knowing I was leaving my daughter Eliza at the university for the first time. Inside, Eliza was unpacking her things in her new room in the hostel. I could feel the tension in the air, a blend of hope and apprehension as she prepared to step into this new chapter of her life. Her determination shone through the uncertainty clouding her youthful face.

“Mom, can you help me with this?” she called, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned, forcing a smile, but inside, a heaviness settled in my heart. This was her moment—a beautiful milestone—but it felt as if I were losing a part of myself.

As our first child, Eliza had always been the centerpiece of our lives. Miraculously born after five long years of marriage, she had been showered with love and affection from the very start.

As I stepped into her room, I noticed her meticulously arranging her textbooks, each one a steppingstone towards her dreams. “It’s just the beginning,” I reminded myself, but that thought did little to ease the ache within. What if she felt overwhelmed? What if she became too busy and neglected her health? What if she drifted away from her faith?

Kneeling beside her, I took her hand, feeling the warmth and promise of her youth. “You will be a promise,” I said softly. “Remember, you’re not alone. I know this is your first time away from us, but I want you to embrace this newfound freedom wisely. You have a phone now that connects you to the world at your fingertips, but don’t forget to stay rooted in your faith.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “How can you not trust me, Mum?” The sparkle of her dreams ignited a flicker of hope within me, yet I couldn't shake the worry. Pursuing medicine was her dream—one I believed was part of God’s plan for her. She was starting university amidst our family’s struggles, and I yearned for her to remain anchored in faith.

Knowing how easily she could be distracted by friends and social media, I recited a stanza from my favorite poem, gazing out the window:

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

“This is a from a poem by Robert Frost,” said Eliza.

I explained, my voice thick with emotion. “Yes. I often repeated it during my college days whenever I felt lost. The Bible carries a similar message in St Paul’s second letter to Timothy. St Paul wrote the second letter to Timothy while he was in a prison in Rome as he felt he was nearing his martyrdom”

“Do you know who Timothy is?” I asked, watching her think. “He was a young leader in the early church, mentored by Paul. Timothy had a strong faith nurtured by his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois.” I chuckled lightly. “Just like your mum and grandmother.” Paul encouraged him to be an example in faith and conduct, highlighting the importance of mentorship and leadership. Timothy was entrusted with leading the church in Ephesus. Eliza’s eyes sparkled at the mention of Ephesus, and I could see the fond memories flooding back to her. I spoke to her of our visit to Ephesus, where we visited the house where Mother Mary lived with the Apostle John after Jesus’ crucifixion. The small stone house there is venerated as a sacred site, a testament to unwavering faith amidst trials of Mother Mary. “Remember how we all held Mama Mary in the grotto?”

I continued “St. Paul wrote to Timothy, ‘No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.’( 2 Timothy 2:4) This verse is dear to my heart. It emphasizes the need for focus and commitment in your ministry and life. Just as a soldier dedicates themselves to their mission, you must prioritize your calling and responsibilities’

I continued, my voice steady yet tender, “Your journey is about commitment, discipline, and pleasing God above all else. Remember, Eliza, the Holy Spirit will touch you in His own time and reveal the beauty of these verses. Focus on your vocation, spread happiness, and love God more than anything. Worldly pleasures will never provide true purpose in your life. Let God grant you wisdom in navigating friendships and social media, but always keep your eyes on Him as you march toward your dream of serving humanity with your gifts.”

Eliza nodded, a typical teenage response, but I knew conviction in faith comes from the Holy Spirit. I caressed her hair and said, “Look, Eliza, while Mum leaves you in this campus, We, as a family stays united with you always in prayer. Remember to read the Word of God and pray the Rosary daily, as you have done since childhood.” She held me tight, her pleasant smile reassuring me.

Outside, the sun began to dip filling the sky in hues of orange and pink—a stunning reminder that while farewells can be painful, they also bring the promise of beautiful beginnings. In that moment, as I watched my daughter embark on her new phase, I knew that while I was letting her go, I was also witnessing the unfolding of her life’s purpose, filled with hope and grace.

Ultimately, I couldn't hold her too tightly; she is not just my daughter, but God's own, and I am merely a guardian of her journey on this earth.