Can we talk?
Today is a day I’ve been avoiding all summer.
Today is the day I’ve refused to fully think about.
Today is the day that has twisted and turned my insides for weeks. And months.
But I can’t ignore today anymore.
Because today is here.
And today we move my daughter into her college dorm.
Freshman year.
She’s nervous. We’re nervous. I’m going to assume her roommates (and their parents) are equally as nervous.
It’s not an easy move. It’s not a drive. It’s a flight. And it required advance planning. Some shipping. Some research.
And yet I did those things without really thinking through what they … and that … really meant. What it would mean to actually get on that plane. To rent that car. To drive to the campus. To shop at Target. To locate the boxes sent ahead last week and then to move all that stuff into the dorm.
I didn’t think through that last hug. That last goodbye. The drive back to the airport …
and then actually getting on the plane without her!
I know it’s only four years. I know we can keep in touch much easier than I ever did with my parents. I know we’ll be seeing her shortly at parent’s weekend and then Thanksgiving and then Christmas break.
These are all logical thoughts.
But logic goes out the door when you’re dropping your first daughter (and last child) at college.
All I can say is Colorado – which is already and awesome place – is now a much more awesome state with her here!
π
I did this about 2 years ago with my son! It was “only” a 3 hour drive away, but it was so very tough to leave him there! I cried for 30 minutes straight on the ride home!
I can’t believe I was able to get on that plane home! A glass of wine at the airport bar did help though! π She seems really happy and is already getting along so well with her roommates! That’s a saving grace! π
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College drop off is not an easy thing. I have 2 kids and each drop off was so hard. Lots of tears, hugs and bittersweet feelings. It is much easier now with texting and social media but it is still so difficult to leave them behind. But after a while it becomes the new normal. Hang in there! π
I can’t even imagine how you’re feeling. All mine lived at home their first year of University and I still worried myself silly. They were only a train or bus ride away. Just one hour drive away, and I still worried. π Good luck to you all.
We did the same thing 2 years ago- California girl to University of Mississippi… a LONG LONG way from home. Itβs hard. But itβs good. We all grew and continue to grow. But every time we put her on those planes to go back it hurts. Xoxox
I’ve yet to feel that pain of dropping her off at O’Hare to navigate the airport on her own! Ack! π