If you’ve ever had to send your kiddo off to college, you know exactly how Joanna Gaines is feeling right now. The beloved former HGTV star shared one of those bittersweet moments that so many of us can relate to—saying goodbye to her oldest son, Drake, as he heads back to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor for his second year of college.
Joanna posted a heartwarming photo on Instagram of her hugging Drake tight, and you can just feel all the emotions through the screen. “Second year in college… saying goodbye doesn’t get easier,” she captioned it, pouring out a sentiment that hits home for so many of us. She added, “Lots of love to all the parents sending their kids off to school this season,” and I don’t know about you, but I felt that deep in my heart.
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Her post was immediately flooded with comments from fellow moms who know exactly what she’s going through. One mom shared, “I cried the whole drive home when my son went off to college. It’s the hardest part of being a parent.” Another chimed in, “Even after years, it still tugs at my heart. Letting them spread their wings is so tough.”
Joanna, alongside her husband Chip have five kiddos—Drake, 19; Ella, 17; Duke, 16; Emmie, 14; and little Crew, who’s just 6. Over the years, they’ve let us into their world, sharing the joys and challenges of raising a family.
Last year, Joanna gave fans a little peek into the process of moving Drake into his college apartment. She posted some fun Instagram stories showing off his new digs, and of course, she couldn’t resist sneaking in one of her own books on his shelf—she joked it was “for color.” That’s so Joanna, isn’t it?
She even shared a funny moment when she came across a drinking game in his apartment, thinking it was just an innocent ring toss. “Ring toss for good ol’ fashion fun,” she captioned it, only to have Drake laughingly tell her it was actually a drinking game. You can totally imagine her reaction—part shocked, part amused.
It’s clear that sending Drake off to college has been a big adjustment for the Gaines family. Last year, Chip and Joanna opened up about how this milestone made them reflect on parenting their younger kids, especially Crew. “When Drakey went off to college, it really made us realize how fast time flies,” Chip said in an interview with People. “Now, we’re soaking in every moment, knowing just how precious these years are.”
And isn’t that the truth? As much as we want to hold on tight, we know we have to let them go. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. So, here’s to Joanna and all the moms out there who are sending their kids off into the world—whether it’s for college, the first day of kindergarten, or anything in between. We’re all in this together, feeling all the feels, and supporting each other every step of the way.
