College Bound
As you probably figured out, our recent absence in the world of blogging was due to taking The Boy to college. After the commotion of getting up early, packing the car and the ensuing drive, the time to say goodbye was suddenly on us. No tears were shed; but it was clearly a significant moment. He’s been away from home before; but we always knew exactly when he was going to return. It was always I’ll be back to pick you up on Saturday or the bus gets back to school at 6:00 P.M. Never, I’ll see you around; but I don’t know when. The emptiness in the house the next day after we returned was palpable. No music playing. No Doom monsters growling. Just silence and an empty chair. People say kids grow up fast. Now I truly know what that means. I can’t believe 18 years has gone by since that day in June that I held him up to the window and let him take his first glimpse of the world. Now he’s out in the world all by himself without a safety net (me). I’m sure that he’s doing fine; but I’m not sure that I am.
Tags: Kids, Life, Parenting, Reflections
August 24th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Having been there, done that in the past when our boy and girl headed off to college, I would say no worries dude. I can guarantee you that you will in no time be seeing your son returning home during the first holiday weekend that he has off, with tons of dirty laundry to do!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
You are so sweet and sentimental, and alway make me smile when you write about the kids. You did your best for him. Now he has to find himself. But part of who and what he is — has so much to do with the two of you. Be proud.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:53 am
I might also add he does have a safety net. 18 years of excellent parenting. Those lessons will serve him well in the world…
And, truth be told, I am sure you and CG would be there to catch him if he truly needed a safety net..
Enjoy the break from the craziness, and the pride of getting a well-developed, level headed young adult into the world!
August 28th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Rob: I think that he’ll do fine. He’s always been very studious and concerned with his grades. It’s just hard adjusting to the half-empty house.
Rosie: I am proud. But I still miss him. I hadn’t realized how much I talked to him until he’s not been around
Disappearing John: I don’t like that he’s in another city and far away from his mom and I. Nothing will happen; but if something did, it would be a long drive to reach him. It’s his choice; but I would have liked for him to go to college in state.