Where has the Time Gone?

How did this happen?

It seems like just yesterday, I was visiting my sister at the hospital and meeting my niece, Abby, for the first time. I remember having tears in my eyes when I held her for the first time, marveling at that beautiful baby girl.

Abby will start kindergarten tomorrow. She has grown from a beautiful baby to an even more beautiful 5-year-old. She's happy and outgoing and talkative. She's also quite intelligent; I'm always amazed by the details she remembers and the conversations she has with me.

I don't have any children of my own, so I don't know exactly how my sister Kim — or any of you parents out there — are feeling right now as your children prepare to go to kindergarten, or even high school or college.

I have to admit, I'm feeling a little emotional about it. I'm proud of how smart Abby is and I know that she will excel in school. I also know that with her friendly personality, she'll have no problems making friends.

But it just makes me think — where has the time gone?

Parents (or even aunts, uncles and grandparents), what's it like to see your kids go off to school? How are you handling it? Tell us in the comment section.