Sending first kid off to college

It took all of me to keep it together when I gave my boy a final hug before leaving him at college. We drove him there Friday morning and helped him move his minimalist 1 bag and 2 crates of supplies into his dorm room. He was the first in so I told him to take the back bed: away from the door and noisy walkway, it had the outward facing window and was close to the shower. We got him squared away and set up his desk, made his rack and walked him though setting up his resume for an on campus paying job. Had lunch and dinner with him on campus and finally said our goodbyes. I could feel the emotions welling up so I took a step back and let mom cut in and say hers. I gave him the nod and turned away to hide the tears that were now streaming down. He's a good kid at a Christian college, a dry campus and without a car for the freshmen, everything he needs is there...what could happen? But I could tell he was overwhelmed with the thought that he wouldn't be eating with us anymore a the table or watching the Angels or Lakers lose with his Dad and Mom. No more catch in the backyard, no more dog at his feet when he played MLB on his Xbox for a half hour after we all went to bed. I thought about it today at work and realize its just another step in life: to learn to be self starting, responsible, keep a time schedule. To balance study, social and play time. I think we did the right thing, even as he asked his mom when I stepped away "I think I'm not ready for this..." Mom told him everyone is probably feeling the same way right now and it will be a new day tomorrow when he meets his roommate (from Detroit) and finally starts doing things as a student and not a visitor. I told him we wouldn't text or call him until he reaches out to us, to give him some space and let him settle in with his new family at school. I'm dying to hear from him: to ask how he is, how he's adjusting to his new life.. but I will see him in 3 weeks when he returns for a friends birthday party and Ill be sure to catch up with all his news. Then the long 15 minute drive back to campus....its 7 miles away!


:lol: