The last little chickie has officially "flown the coop" The nest is empty. I'm really kinda sad about that but getting better everyday. Thankgoodness for cell phones, text messaging, picture messages and Facebook! Ha! Never thought I'd say that! And promise - I AM NOT a helicopter parent. (at least I don't think so . . . .)
Earlier this week we helped Kelsie pack up all her belongings and head off to college. Sure it's only four hours away, and sure, she'll be home probably like once a month. And we did get to drive up with her and help her get all settled in and meet the new roommates. It was actually such a fun day. She has roommates that have come from all across the country, Dublin Ohio, Florida . . . and truthfully, I think she will have a wonderful time this year!
It was amazing to see her through some new eyes. She has always been the youngest, the one who got to hang around with mom and dad forever (in her limited free time) and even though I tried to look at her and see her as a beautiful eighteen year old young woman, I frequently would glance at her and think she still looks about 12. (Not to mention, that I cannot possibly be old enough to have my youngest be 18, I was just in her shoes a couple years ago . . .)
Therefore, it truly was awesome to see the way she acclimated so quickly, jumping right into meeting new people, introducing herself, finding her way around campus and taking care of all the necessary paperwork and dubious registration tasks. Where did this girl come from? I was so proud of her.
When I saw the mounds of stuff piled into their little apartment I thought "no way", it's not all going to fit. But these girls have exceptional organizational skills. I still can't believe they fit it all in.
So once the cupboards were filled and the beds were all made, Norm and I said our "goodbye's" and climbed in the car for the drive home. For once, I got to pull out my ipod and pick the playlist. We listened to our tunes, and visited about grownup things all the way home.
Any regrets? Just one perhaps . . . teaching her to do her own laundry at the age of 12. Otherwise I'd be seeing her for sure this weekend :)
6 comments:
Wow! That must be a bittersweet moment...and I'm sure it will be here before I can blink. Saw you were following my blog and I just wanted to say, Thank You. I'm following you now as well!
Ha! I have the exact same pictures from about a year ago--except it's the men's dorms!
that much be hard for you
hugs and love
shraddha
Life just goes too fast! Sometimes I want to just press pause and sit back for a minute and catch my breath.
I'm sure your empty nest will be filled with grand babies soon.
Wow, and I thought letting one go to preschool was hard. I can't even fathom them both heading to elementary school, let alone actually moving out to college! Oh boy, this parenting thing sure does get you...
Wow, that brings back memories of my own, going off to college. Those were great days! I hope she comes back to visit you soon.
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