This college business

I like the millions of other teenagers, am applying for higher education. I can't believe I'm here at this point, a senior in high school and on my way to be more independent. Now for me this is great, a chance to be my own self, but I've quickly come to realize how mortal my parents and family are, this is my greatest fear. Knowing that as I begin my life their lives are slowing reaching their end. Great how am I supposed to balance this worry and the worry of getting accepted. I need to stop thinking, this is what I do exactly but there will be a time when there will be much thinking about things....yeah I know I'm vague, but there are so many specifics that I can't tell.It's burdening. So I should think optimistically, but then where's the fun in always being happy. Oh and I might not have enough cash for college, hello one of my top-choice colleges costs 45,000 per year, I only have 40,000 saved up. I need to either sell my stuff and my art or go to a 3rd or 4th choice college. Sigh.....