NOT ALL THAT MANY years ago, she was a little girl with an affinity for wearing skirts and hair ribbons. Today she is a young woman, shopping for business skirts. She wears her curly hair down now or, occasionally, up, minus the ribbons.
As a preschooler, she ran everywhere. Today she drives a sporty red car or walks to her destination.
Once she preferred to be alone, shut away in her toy room. Later, she grew to enjoy the company of friends, and even me.
In elementary school, her academic success began. She competed in a regional spelling bee every year she was eligible and brought home numerous ribbons and, one year, a trophy. Her dad still laughs about the time she asked him how to spell “silage.” He’s no speller.
Four years ago she graduated at the top of her Faribault High School class with a 4.0 grade point average and gave a commencement speech.
Smart. Sweet. Independent. Strong. A woman of faith. She is my daughter.
On Saturday, Miranda, now all grown up at age 22, graduated with the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, centennial class. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a double minor in International Studies and Communications Studies.
Miranda poses in front of the UWL hillside letters at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.
But that’s not all. She graduated with highest honors, which requires a 3.75 GPA or higher. In the College of Liberal Studies, her college, about 50 of the 459 graduates earned highest honors.
My daughter has, indeed, done well academically. I’m proud of her.
But I’m especially proud of her independent spirit. She is fearless, adventuresome. In a few weeks, Miranda leaves for a three-month public relations internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she previously studied and did mission work for six months.
Yesterday, when we were packing her belongings, I coaxed her into sitting on my lap. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. “I’m going to hold you like this for four months,” I said, pulling her even tighter. “Then you can’t leave.”
I, of course, didn’t mean it. Well, I sort of meant it. As a mother, I selfishly would like nothing more than for my daughter to live in or near Minnesota.
But as a mother, I also know that I must let her go to live her dreams, to be happy—wherever that may be.
Looking down on La Crosse from Grandad's Bluff. To the right is UWL, my daughter's home for four years.
© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Congratulations Audrey and Randy. Your daughter Miranda’s achievements certainly are something you can be proud of. You had a big part in getting her to that point! Congratulations also to Miranda!
Virgil, thank you so much for your well wishes upon Miranda’s graduation and upon our anniversary. May 15 truly marked a day of celebration for our family.
Time certainly does fly. Just can’t believe Miranda is through college. One smart little girl! Congratulations to her and we know she will be a success.