Just when I thought Year 12, 2020, had come to a close - with my 18-year-old pleased to receive an ATAR ranking of 86.50 - it has become apparent that a whole new waiting game must be played; we're counting sleeps for the arrival of a university offer due later this week.
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Struggling to sit still any longer, I hatched a plan for my eldest and I to launch ourselves towards the city in her little yellow Mini, checking-out the residential accommodation she's locked-in for the next two years - pending that tardy tertiary spot.
My rural 'P' plater certainly didn't expect to find herself hurtling along the freeway and buzzing around the big smoke in a torrential downpour in the Australian summer.
There was definitely only one season on display that fateful wintery Melbourne day.
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We would have tested my 'written on the back of a receipt' perfect driving route to reach Kew from the Westgate Freeway, if my momentary meltdown hadn't seen us miss the Montague Street exit.
This faux pas ensured fifteen minutes of Southbank city circle work in blinding rain in a six-gear manual, where we both managed not to say anything too hard to forgive.
I figure if my firstborn can drive safely under that kind of pressure, she's going to be fine in any conditions.
We did eventually achieve a walk-by of the student residence before dining on the riverfront and taking-in some COVID-safe telly rather than a show.
While I sold our quick trip down the highway to the rest of the family as a journey enabling my eldest to site her new address and begin mentally preparing for her move out of home, it was also very much about my comfort level in letting my precious girl go and being sure I knew the quickest way to get to her if necessary.
Vivid memories of my dad driving away from his farm girl at the Monash University Halls of Residence 33 years ago still give me butterflies.
I can picture my small box of belongings and remember how big the world felt for a Nhill girl in a city where everyone was a stranger.
Transitions are so tough, and this is going to be incredibly challenging for both of us.
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