You know what sentence is the absolute truth? Where there is a will there is a way, (it's a nicer than saying when you are desperate you make do). Sunday was move in day at my son's university. We had one option and it was my MINI Cooper. We packed that sucker to the brim, typed the address into the GPS, and hit the pedal to the medal.
Son: Can we stop for food on the way?
Me: Sure. Where do you want to go?
Son: How about Chipotle?
I have come to the realization that I'm a minority when I go in there with him. If you are not a male between the ages of 15 - 23, then that makes you a minority.
He orders his burrito and I grab a water.
Son: Aren't you eating?
Me: Nope. I'm all set.
The truth is, my stomach was in knots. He's had such a tough year. I really want the kid to have a break. I hadn't slept in two nights, tossing and turning, anxious to get him settled in, and hoping for the best.
I'm quiet which apparently, is a dead giveaway for nervous mother.
Son: Your all nervous.
Me: No. I'm fine. I'm just letting you eat.
We get on the highway and my view is obstructed by bedding, a stereo speaker, snacks, his suitcase, and a vertical sign that says ICE in blue letters, which I don't even want to know where it came from. Damn college pranksters.
My GPS sucks. I decide not to listen to it.
Son gets directions on his iPhone.
Son: Take a right here.
Me: Here? OMG I can't see. Is there a car behind me?
He can't see either.
I put on blinker and hope for the best. I edge over slowly.
BEEP BEEP.
Uh oh, we narrowly escape. It's like driving blind folded.
We find his housing. It's set on a narrow one-way street. SUV's are lined up and down the road, unloading college gear, while anxious students worry about making a good first impression. I drop my son off so he can get his room key while I drive around the block because there are no spots. My second time down the street I'm in luck - there is one spot with my name on it and I pull right in.
I text him and let him know I'm across the street.
He comes out and we start making several trips from the car to the elevator.
Me: This seems really nice.
Son: My apartment is awesome.
The place is swelling with a buzz of excitement. It's alive. I spot a Mexican place across the street and know he'll be spending lots of time there.
After the hole in the wall he was in last year, I want to cry I'm so relieved when I see how much better this apartment is. There is one roommate there, another transfer student, he seems nice. I silently thank God.
My son picks a bed by the window and I offer to make up his bed. He busies himself unpacking.
I finish up and ask: What else can I do to help you?
Son: I'm all set, I think.
He's quiet. Dead giveaway for nervous son.
Me to son: I love you. I'll check in with you later. If you forgot anything, don't worry about it, I'll bring it to you.
I already have decided to get tickets to see Sister Act, which is playing around the corner. So many excuses reasons to visit.
That night I text him.
How does it seem? How are your roommates?
Son: Seems great. I'm having fun.
Phew. Stomach slowly becomes unclenched. I'm reminded of the first time I dropped him off at pre-school. When it was time for me to leave, he started crying. He sat on the teachers lap while she comforted him, and I went out into the hallway and cried, while a different teacher comforted me. Apparently, it never gets easier.
It's such an emotional time for parents and kids. What was your experience if any with college move in day?
Stupendo l'abito della seconda foto. Kiss
ReplyDeleteWow I read this with tears welling in my eyes, having been there twice and still one round left to go in a few years. As happy as we are for them, its always hard to say goodbye to leave them there in new surroundings with new faces....we want so much to always be there for every possible thing that could go wrong (or right)...we just want to be there! I had a hard time when my boys went to college...it was hard to "let go" but gradually as you see them pathing their own way...it just happens naturally. I know your feelings were all compounded by the year you have all had, and i can imagine that instinct to want to protect him is that much greater. You sound like you have a great kids Debby...you have done a wonderful job Debby and instead look at this new chapter in his life as a celebration of him being in school and becoming a young adult AND you having done a great job with your son to get him there!
ReplyDeleteIt was the same. It never gets easier! Angela is in her last semester and I still get sad when she leaves.
ReplyDeleteHang in there Mommie.
Happy Tuesday.
Teresa
xoxo
Oh Debby, I love to read your stories. First of all, that first photo with those emerald-green/turquoise drapes is stunning.
ReplyDeleteSince I have no kids, I cannot answer your question. But saying good-bye to the children every June at school was a killer. We teachers would line up at the bus stop to wave good-bye to our charges and a box of tissues was always passed around. Now that I substitute teach, I have the pleasure of not only seeing these children as grown middle/high schoolers in the hallways, but they COME TO ME to chat, to give a hug.
I remember those days in September.....I felt I was loosing a son or a daughter to college. Once a teacher/mom, always a teacher/mom. Always.
Be well, and go see Sister Act and HAVE A BLAST....then go peak in on your son. Ahhh...a son. What a gift.
Anita
Such an honest, sweet story...and it doesn't get easier. As I sent my son a couple of weeks ago off to live in another city with his new bride, I felt a knot in my stomach. I felt like I was sending him away forever...though I know that it not true. It is just that he is now a man with a wife a serious job and little need to call mom. Adjusting to different seasons of life can be so difficult, yet exhilarating! When I feel those pangs of sorrow, I focus on something new and exciting I am planning and eventually the pangs subside. YES go see Sister Act...I so wish i could go with you!!
ReplyDeleteGreat story. I remember the days when I was dropped off at uni, don't think I appreciated my parents worry back then, but reading this makes me realise what they must have been going through.
ReplyDeleteHave a fab Tuesday Hun xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
As I sit here waiting to see how Alexandra is doing after her surgery, your words wrenched my heart. I still hold back tears each time they drive away. I know they are fine. But there is a part of me that will always be a mom to the preschooler, high schooler, or college child. Now that it is just the three of us, my thoughts are complicated. How can I love them for two of us?
ReplyDeleteDebby, your post was wonderful. The juxtaposition of life as it happens with the emotions of a mom.... wonderful!!
Cheryl
Great post. I know the feeling of having a child that's had a difficult year. My #2's last year was the worse I have ever had in my life. It's still too raw to write about. I wish you and your son much happiness in 2013.
ReplyDeleteDebby dear! Thank you so much for asking about my dress project! It all went so well! Transporting it in my SUV was easy and drop off was a breeze. It is now in the window and has a lovely sign with my name and contact info and other info about MOI! I will be getting some professional photographer photos from them once they get the window complete; I think they are going to hang a small chandelier over it!
ReplyDeleteI will send you one of my quick snapshots of it to show you! LOVE! Anita
THis brings back memories. If your kids are OK then youre OK, that's how I feel. I hope he has a GREAT year this year, so you don't have to worry! I hope you get some communication from him--I know how boys are! and mine is minimal at communication.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
You can tell from this post that you are a great mom and you raised a great son. You two will be there for each other wherever life takes you next! Good luck to your son in college!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
That had to be so hard! I'm not there yet - but I'm sure I won't be loving it! I feel the way you feel in Chipotle when the boys want Jimmy Johns. Teens love that place.
ReplyDeleteHi Debby! I've just started to read your blog instead of just looking at the pictures. I am a new mommy so I haven't had to drop my little ones off at preschool yet but I can sympathize with you on dropping your child off at college. When my mom left me at school it was a total blubberfest in the parking lot. Me, my mom, brother, high school boyfriend...we were all crying so hard. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. It was the ugly cry too. I have never moved back in and I guess I knew that at that moment my childhood was over. Guys usually handle things like this better so I'm sure that your son is doing great. Good luck to you and know that college was the best time of my life!
ReplyDeleteWhitney
College move in day was always crazy but when the dust settled, I was always excited & nervous about the new school year ahead. So many possibilities!
ReplyDeleteIt never gets easier. Actually my son drove himself to college so I shed a few tears as he drove away. That was 10 years ago. Since then I have put in on a plane for the Kingdom of Tonga with Peace Corps, a plane to Washington DC with nothing but a suitcase, a plane for the summer with a grad school program in the Philippines and just this week a plane to Uganda to finish up his master's. Then again there is always a bit of pride along with the tears!
ReplyDeleteMy son is a sophmore and he loves Chipolte too (whats that about??) I found it wasn't any easier to drop him off this year (not easier for me that is) He had--lots of friends saying hello-texting to see where they would meet up for dinner. And there was me-- making up his bed, fussing around his room, stalling... A bear hug and kiss goodbye, me holding back tears until I got down the street -sigh!
ReplyDeleteOnce a parent, always a parent. No matter what their ages, we are still MOM and will worry. Such a sweet story and one that many of us can relate to. I can't stand the goodbyes .. It's natures way. You should be proud Debby. You're son is becoming a man..
ReplyDeletexxleslie
Debby,
ReplyDeleteSuch a good post. After seeing two sons through the same, I've decided "mom's" are hardwired for worry. I'm happy for your son that he's in a good apartment with some nice guys.
Karen at Garden, Home and Party
Beautiful post! It reminded me a lot of my college move in day...
ReplyDeleteaww very sweet post...brings back memories of childhood in some ways..! lovely images..!
ReplyDeleteNew post abt my new LV bag is up! :D
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Taking your kids to college is one of the hardest things to do. I remember how hard it was to walk away and leave them there, hoping that it would be alright! I did it four times, four kids. It never got easier. Good luck to your son. I hope he has a fabulous semester! ~Delores
ReplyDeleteYour son's so lucky to have you Debby. College move in day was quite interesting for me. I flew into Heathrow, UK on my own for the first time and made my way to my university via the uni bus. Luckily for me, i am skilled at getting lost and finding my way out. Which was exactly the case when it was time to find my accommodation. I'm so lucky my parents weren't there to notice their socially awkward and shy daughter walk around with a paper map and suitcases in tow
ReplyDeletexo Stephanie
Oh my. My daughter and husband were going to fly to California, so he could help her
ReplyDeleteget settled in. While we were driving to the airport, the song "Butterfly Kisses" came on the radio, and I had tears flowing down my face......
Your story was so touching. He is blessed to have you for his mom!
~ Violet
Is he at BU or NE? When you said narrow one way street it made me think of the housing near the BSO...I LOVE that area!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if he's an artsy kind of a kid, but students get free tickets to the BSO. If he's at either of those universities its walking distance...and if he's not into the symphony he could always give his loving mom the tickets! :) Its called the College card.
Glad the move went well.
He's going to be fine! xx.
ReplyDelete