Apparently, I really do have a rising college freshman. I
mean, I know he’s 18. I saw him graduate from high school. I mailed his college
applications and cheered with him when he was accepted. I know what’s coming. There
was, though, a little part of me that didn’t want to believe it.
But last Friday, when we checked in for his freshman orientation,
his name was there on the check-in sheet. His admission rep recognized him and welcomed him. The
department chair greeted him by name. There was a financial aid paper with our
names on it. (If you are not saving for college, start now. Seriously. Stop
reading, go to your bank and say, “For the rest of my life, please put half my paycheck
into a college savings account.” It won’t be enough, but it will be a
start.)
The students went one way and the parents went another.
We were treated to a talk from the college president, vice president of academic
affairs, and several other folks who were good public speakers but are now a
blur. I do remember that nearly everyone who spoke reminded us that, “Four short weeks from today you’ll drop off your child!” They sounded awfully excited
about that news.
We ate in one of the cafeterias, toured the library and
spent a little more time with the business office. By then, the students had
finished their portion of the tour and were reunited with the parents who were
incredibly anxious to hear how things had gone. At least these parents were.
Good news: Michael met some friendly people and he was
excited for what’s ahead. That was a relief to the parents.
Bad news: this is really happening. My first-born, my sweet
little boy, is going to college.
Of course, my head knows that’s actually good news. My
heart, well, that’s another story... Millions of other moms have gone through this and lived to tell the tale. I know I'll be fine. Right? Right.
Denial's working for me.
Denial's working for me.
With Jon it wasn't too hard since we only drove five miles and dropped him off :) But it was a different story with Tina, since she went clear to Florida for her first year. I cried all the way home on the plane, after helping her set up her dorm room.
ReplyDeleteBut it's all good training for the days ahead when they finish college and set out on their own. Let me repeat that: ON THEIR OWN. (insert hysterical laughter here) As hard as it is to believe, they are allowed, even encouraged, to become independent!
Although, as it has been said, "They aren't really gone until they take all their stuff."
Or, you can do like we did and move to another continent, making it impossible for them to "move home". Which my daughter still holds against us, I think :)