Although this is the fourth entry in my series, Preparing Your Child For School, this article is not being written from a teacher's point of view. I am writing this as a parent preparing to take my son to college tomorrow.For months we have been preparing for this day. In June, we began shopping for bedding, dorm accessories and towels. He enrolled in this classes and got his student ID. In July, we started thinking about little details such as prescriptions, medical cards and football tickets. Now it's August and the serious last minute shopping has started We hit Walmart with two shopping carts and bought things such as band-aids, Tide, 3-prong plug adapters and a refrigerator.
The cars are packed and I have to admit that emotions are high. Seems like just yesterday my Mom and Dad were helping me move into my dorm. I can tell how excited my son is and realize that he is nervous too. So many responsibilities are ahead for him, but I will leave him knowing that I did my very best to prepare him for this day. I, however, will finish this article to go have another of many cries. Boomer Sooner!
Read other articles in the series Preparing Your Child For School.
You'll both do great! We'll all miss him but probably Parker most of all! Bob and Bonnie left today to drop Eric off in Illinois. She's been feeling the same way.
what a fun time for him!! i can't even imagine the mess i will be when my kiddos begin college :)
I remember back 13 years ago when mom and dad and I pulled out of the driveway of our home and headed toward Austin, TX -- the tears already appearing in mom's eyes before we reached the first stop sign.
It was a difficult time emotionally, certainly. But an essential piece of the big trajectory that set me on my own path with the love of my mom providing the foundation.
Hind site 20/20, I know those tears were the product of a complex recipe of pride, anxiety, nostalgia, anticipation and fear of the unknown. Gotta love your momma.
Don't think for a minute that next time i make the trip from L.A. to Freeport, TX to visit the family that the same scenario won't play out again --- each time a richer, more meaningful expression of the parental bond that exemplifies our love and care for each other.
Okay, now I need to call mom.
OK Matt,
Now I'm crying again. xoxo~B
Beth,
My heart goes out to you, I have a 14 year old who is starting High School in 2 days. I am a nervous wreck, not that he will not do well but just for the fact that my baby is getting so big and in for short years I will be where you are now.