Joanna Gaines Shares Emotional College Sendoff Experiences
Joanna Gaines, known for her home renovation expertise, faces a different kind of change as she transitions into sending her children off to college. The “Fixer Upper” star has opened up about the bittersweet experience of watching her kids grow up and leave home.
“Chip dropped the kids off this morning and sent me a little photo,” Joanna shared. “The kids are doing well. My oldest son is a junior now, and, you know, it’s not easy every time he leaves.” She reflects that it feels somewhat challenging, perhaps more so than she expected.
Emotional Reflections on College Sendoffs
In a heartfelt post, Joanna discussed how sending her daughter, Ella, to college was particularly emotional. “Ella just left last week, so it’s all still pretty fresh for me,” she shared, stating she originally thought she was prepared. “But God will help me through this.” The distance makes it harder, she admitted, especially since Ella is at a school further away compared to her brother, Drake.
“She’s my girl, and this just feels different,” Joanna explained. In a previous emotional update, she referred to sending Ella off as “one big, breathtaking surrender.”
Ella’s Independence in Design
When asked if Joanna had a hand in decorating Ella’s dorm, she noted that her daughter has a distinct style. “I let her take the reins because, honestly, that’s what she wanted,” Joanna said, highlighting Ella’s interest in interior design.
Meanwhile, Joanna reflected on their youngest child, Crew, who has shown quite the knack for cooking. “He’s always been all about mixing and anything that gets messy,” she said with a hint of amusement.
Facing Changes Together
In her emotional reflections on Instagram, Joanna shared her fears about the rapid passage of time. “They told me this day would come sooner than I thought. The days feel long, but the years? They zoom by,” she remarked, indicating the struggle many parents face during such transitions.
She ended her post by encouraging other parents, saying, “When it’s time to hold it together, let’s lean on each other.”
Joanna and Chip Gaines are parents to five children: Ella, Drake, Crew, Emmy, and Duke. While they haven’t disclosed where Ella and Drake are studying, their family dynamics continue to evolve amid these significant life changes.
