(Found on an old hard disk under Kathy’s folder. — Ed)

Dear Nicole,

Today, many emotions will collide and join together as tears. A little bit of sadness, a lot of pride, true happiness for you, some worry, and a tinge of envy will be taken with me when we say our good-byes.

Over the past few weeks I’ve watched the physical pieces of your childhood come out of your room and be discarded. A passage of time laid out as toys for your sisters. It certainly stirred memories even if my glimpses were brief.

I hope you have a wonderful, full, growing college experience. I just want you to remember a few things:

* Don’t fall in love with the first guy interested in you. Keep your cool.

* Men again – Don’t trust them no matter how cute and charming they are. Have fun with them… definitely! Guys will tell you whatever it is that you want to hear to get their way with you. They’re not bad, it’s just nature.

* Be a friend to make a friend. And, I hope you make lots of good friends. The friends you make at Georgia are people you can have lifelong relationships with.

* Don’t put limitations on yourself. Explore the things that interest you. This is such a unique time of life when you first gain independence from us, your parents, but we are still financially supporting you.

* Be careful about drinking. We’ve discussed it already, but it’s important.

* You still have a room in our home and this is still your home whenever you come back.

Dad and I really did the best we could trying to provide a moral, stable, loving, cohesive home with Catholic values for you and your brother and sisters. I hope we did a good job and that we laid a strong foundation that you will carry for a lifetime.

I am so very proud of you and your accomplishments and am looking forward to hearing about all that is happening with you at Georgia. You’re going to have a blast.