Ree Drummond, host of the Food Network's Pioneer Woman, shared an emotional Instagram post Thursday that is all too relatable for parents everywhere. The mother of four gave an emotional send-off to her second-oldest daughter, Paige, as she embarks on her freshman year of college.
"Red nose, trembling chin, tight throat, aching heart. Leaving your child at college is no picnic. I've done it once before and thought maybe this time would be a little easier," Drummond captioned the photo. "I think it's a little harder. But through all the tears, I see this clearly: What a joy it is to usher her into the next stage of her life. Paige, I'm so grateful to be your mom.❤️"
According to People, Paige, 18, is enrolled at the University of Arkansas. But although Paige is leaving the coop, Drummond won't have to suffer from empty-nest syndrome just yet. She has two other children with her husband Ladd, sons Bryce, 15, and Todd, 14, who still live at home.
But it's clear Drummond has been having a hard time letting Paige go. Last week, the celebrity chef posted a photo of her daughter and shared that she was practically speechless about the fact she would soon be moving out.
"My sweet beautiful girl leaves for college this week. I have no words. I actually do have words, but I can't let them out right now for fear the dam will break," Drummond wrote.
In June, Drummond made sure to spend quality time with her daughter before she left for school. "The clock is ticking until she leaves for college. Just a little over six weeks. I'm measuring every single moment," Drummond wrote.
"Minutes have taken on a whole new meaning," she continued. "At dinner last night, Alex asked me if I was ready for Paige to go. The two-man band in the restaurant's lounge was singing "You've Got a Friend" (the James Taylor version) and, well...a thousand tiny needles attacked my nose. I pulled it together but it was a close call. No more questions in public places, Alex! This stuff is hard, friends."
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