Fourteen years ago, The Eldest wearing her Kindergarten ID fish tag, headed to her first day of school. Her Little Mermaid backpack was loaded with pencils, crayons and markers, everything a kindergartener needed. When the bus arrived, she climbed aboard and didn't look back.
Today, we loaded the station wagon with a duffle full of clothes, bins full of sheets, towels, comforter, pillow, throw rug, other bins full of snacks and school supplies, a clock radio, wastebasket, health and beauty aids, everything a freshmen will need. I hope. 
We drove to the school, far enough away for her to be independent but an hour's drive for us. The school is a very small, all women's college. Freshman move in was well organized. An upperclassman checked our student's name on a clipboard and directed us to the dorm. A securtiy guard directed us to a parking slot in front of the dorm. Upperclassmen swarmed the car, helped us to unload and cart things to the Eldest's dorm room. The good Lord was with us as we only had to climb one flight of stairs. 
I thought it amusing that the girls' names were on shark shaped tags on their door. No longer swimming in a school, but ready to take on the world. 
The Eldest met her roomie and we met her parents. After the girls were registered and given their ID cards, there was a buffet lunch for parents and students. We had a nice lunch with roomie and her parents.
The orientation program was scheduled to begin at 4pm so we went for a drive to explore the area. Couldn't find any of the malls they said was close by! 
There was a CVS within walking distance from the school so we stopped to pick up a fan and a surge protector.
There was a CVS within walking distance from the school so we stopped to pick up a fan and a surge protector.Himself wanted to get back on the road before rush hour started. The Eldest got out of the car, hit the pavement running and didn't look back. Time for her to spread her wings and soar. 
It's always hardest on the ones left behind. Her's hoping she soars with the eagles.
ReplyDeleteSounds like when my parents left me - a frighteningly long time ago, LOL - right down to the hour drive and the girl's school. Don't worry, she'll be fine. And so will you! {{Hugs}}
ReplyDeleteCongrats proud mom!!!! Isn't soaring fun?
ReplyDeleteaww...that's sad and touching at the same time. Life...I remember my brother and his wife..they cried when they had to put their daughter on the school bus. She screamed and fought.lol..diff story when it came to their son, my nephew..he took off running to the school bus and never looked back.lmao! they cried at that too! lol...guess, I have all that to look forward to when i become a parent someday!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the shark name tags--kind of like life has come full circle.
ReplyDeleteGuess your house is a bit empty but your heart if full.