I haven't read anything for pleasure since probably last Thursday. I need to read for my sanity, and it's really starting to show now. So, what have I been doing if I haven't been reading? I took off work Friday to finish getting my son ready to go to college. I spent all day Friday shopping and packing. Then we got up at 4:30 AM on Saturday to drive the four hours to arrive during our assigned check-in time. The actual moving in was painless because they had volunteers to take all of his stuff up to his room. That was great! He's in a traditional dorm with just two beds, two desks, and two dressers on the fifth floor of a high rise building. His roommate seems fine although I know it will take some getting used to for my son. He's so used to having his own space. It still took most of the day to put his stuff away and make a couple runs to the local Wal-Mart to pick up things we didn't even think about him needing. We ate dinner together Saturday night and then had orientation on Sunday. The students went in groups to their own sessions while all the parents attended sessions together. Since I've done this all before, I really didn't learn anything much from the sessions so it was pretty boring. All I did was sit there and think motherly thoughts. How can he be this old? How is he going to like it? Will he be homesick? Will he be safe? The rational part of my brain knows he'll be fine, but it's always hard letting go. He's smart, strong, and has a good head on his shoulders. He's going to have a ball. Meanwhile, I'm going to miss him terribly just like I still miss his older brother. Sure, I see him some on weekends, but it's not the same.
On the positive side, I'm kind of looking forward to some me time and of course spending some time with the hubby. We had our children when we were pretty young, and now we're going to have our time together. I'm still trying to get over lack of sleep, but hopefully in the next couple of days, I'll be back to normal. For those of you without kids, I know this probably seems pretty silly, but I assure you it's extremely difficult to watch your kids grow up and leave home. It's rewarding and I'm happy for them, but just a little sad, too. They have been wonderful kids, and I'd love to do it all over again. O.K., the pity party is officially over, and I'll be back to reading and talking about books soon!
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Aw Lisa, I don't have children so I can't say I know what it must feel like but it doesn't sound like you are being silly at all. Hope you get your reading mojo back soon though :)
iliana, thanks for the support. I'm already much better. He called yesterday and sounded like he was beginning to settle in. It's hard to tell with him because he's not a big talker. But, I know everything will be fine and he'll have a lot of fun.
It doesn't sound silly at all to me! I'm already dreading this, even though my 6 1/2 year old says she's never leaving! I still remember how I felt the first time my parents left me at college. Huge emotions.
Thanks Tara. It's amazing how fast the time goes. I know people always tell you that, but it's really true. He was always my little homebody, too. In fact, up until about 2 years ago, I would never have believed he would go to school four hours from home. He's really matured a lot in the last couple years. Today is the actual first day of classes. I hope he calls tonight to let me know how it goes.
I don't have kids but I can imagine how hard it must be. I remember how hard it was for my mom when I went off to college. Your son will miss you too, he probably will just neglect to tell you that. I hope you and your husband enjoy your new-found time together.
Hugs to you, Lisa...I know just what this feels like and it's not a bit "silly." It's hard to believe my son left home for college 10 years ago! Eek! And I still miss him sometimes.
But...on the "up" side, it is fun to have a bit more time with your husband. So enjoy that!
I know just how you feel and my son went to university ages ago. It all came back to me last week as he and his family have just moved to Scotland (they only lived 1 hour away before)and as I live in the south of England this seems so far away! It's as though he's left home all over again.
stefanie, I know he's probably a little homesick, too. Boys just don't always show their emotions like girls. But, I know I got the biggest bear hug when we were leaving. I usually get the sideways half hug from him. hehe
ravenous reader, I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband. I'd like to think we could start traveling on long weekend trips.
margaret, it never gets any easier to let your kids go, I guess. I now understand what my parents went through. I moved seven hours away when I got married at just 19 years old.
Is he calling home to check in?
sfp, yes, he has called a couple times. It's nice to hear from him, but I wish he sounded more like he was having a great time. He's very mellow all the time, so it's hard to tell with him how he's feeling.
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