Six years ago, I am sure if we went back in the archives that long ago, you would find a tearful, "I can't do this", post from me. My baby was going away to college away from home. I was a wreck, he couldn't live without me, I couldn't live without him. Who would be there when he got home from classes, who would calm his fears when he failed a test. Who would do his laundry, shop for his groceries (I knew who was paying for it all) But I wouldn't be there. I would be 350 miles away, close enough to drive and visit for a weekend, but not close enough to "fix" anything.
Well, six years later, one graduation, a fantastic job, he tells me when to come -- not often enough. But he lived, I lived and we are both better people for it. I respect as the man he has become, and he respects me because I don't tell him what to do....we talk, I consult.
So this is for all those moms and dads who are sending kindergarteners off for the first day of school to all the moms and dads who are taking thier child, (first or last or middle) for the first college days. We have done our job for the years that our children have lived with us. We have given them some tools and some guidance and love to help them weave through the halls of elementary school, to the ivy halls of dorm life. We are becoming consultants more than "have to be there moms and dads", and as much as it hurts, it feels good to know we've done our best.
When I taught kindergarten, I hated the first day of school, too teary. But my favorite first day of K is the day the little boy with unkept hair, and new clothes, opened his book bag, took out his box of kleenex, walked over to his mom and said "Mom, go home, take this with you, I think you need it more than me" and handed her the box of tissues....then ran off to see who he could play with. Both mom and I wiped a tear, gave each other a hug, she went home, and I went to meet my 26 new kids. We all lived...even though.
It's never too late to get it right.
Posts: 3473 | Location: Central USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
Once again you hit my nail on the head (I've known that you do that for quite awhile now).
I even wrote a column about this in July. DS went off for a 3 week residential college experience. It was difficult for all of us. We all not only survived, but prospered.
this is very touching. dd started 9th grade on monday. and it has been a tough week. her boyfriend showed his true colors on monday and she cried and cried. no one is friendly in her classes and none of her middle school friends are in her classes. but she made it thru, as we all do.thanks for being a positive view into the future. bless you
Goals: 1. Stop thinking like a chronic dieter and start living to inspire. 2. HALT (hungry, anxious, lonely, tired) I will stop and tune in with myself should I experience these things, and respond with something healthy. 3. One word 2008: courage 4. Eat slow and mindfully.
Cathy, I thank you too. I took my daughter to senior high(9th grade), she is a new freshman in a very, very big school and it was so hard! Your words are comforting and encouraging!
Jill
Summer Challenge Goals: 1) Walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week 2) Plan weekly menus
Just yesterday, I dropped off DS at first grade for the first time (DH usually does it). When he was in kindergarten, I parked the car, and we walked, holding hands, to the playground. I stayed until one of the teachers came out to supervise, then I'd get a big hug and kiss before I left. But now, he says, "Mom, you can just drive up to the door and I'll jump out." *sigh*
