Yesterday, my wife and I drove our daughter through a number of states to arrive at the college. The Prius was full to overflowing. A Prius is not meant for this purpose, but it managed.
Today, we will move everything out of the Prius and into a room slightly larger than a typical prison cell.
For those of you who have gone through this, we will soon know what you know. For those of you who haven’t, I can tell you that it’s been a difficult summer, and the past couple of weeks have been increasingly difficult. We have a lot invested here.
When my wife and I are alone, we recall things that happened with our daughter many years ago. We have spoken to her about things we think she needs to know. She tolerates our discussions most of the time. But now she’s anxious, unsure what her next phase will bring.
We tell her that it’s going to be great. The truth is, we’re all anxious. We want it to be great more than she does.
So it will be a busy day today. I hope it goes well. Either way, there will be one less person in the car when we drive back. And the two remaining for the drive will likely sound like old, nervous people, talking about life years ago and how our baby is at college only hours after she was born.
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You don’t sound like “old, nervous people” to me, Scott. You sound like loving, engaged parents.
Best wishes on a rough day, and on the new phase of your family adventures.
Scott-
I dropped my daughter off for her first day of middle school last Thursday, the same day my other daughter started high school, a freshman at a large, public school.
It was a beautiful day and, while I was at a stoplight with the windows down, I could hear a dad talking to his daughter as they walked alongside. She had her Dora backpack on and I thought how it was yesterday we were at Kindergarten roundup and now we’re starting high school, “only hours” later, just like you.
I’m sure you’ve taught her “things she needs to know” but it sounds like she’s done the same for you along the way. My wife is really good about helping me through things like this and she often says that “it’s something she needs to walk through.” when I’m tempted to walk alongside to make sure she’s safe.
In the end I bet starting high school or college will be a little like Kindergarten Roundup,.. lots of tears and pain for the parents but a lot of fun (after the initial fear) and adventure for the new students.
Sigh. Thanks for reminding us that lawyers are parents with hearts.
firefly season
ends —
the freshman packs the car
… by dagosan
It was many years ago that my older daughter, Judy, rolled over, all by herself, for the first time; it was a deep and profound shock.
She just turned eighteen a little while ago, and is talking about moving out when she finished high school, and I’m an old, nervous guy.
It seems like it was just a few years ago when the twins were born.
Oh wait, it was 2006. That was just a few years ago.
Whew!
What did your parents do and say when you left their nest? Maybe the recollection will help you feel your way through what seems to be an ordeal.
1. No one that has met your wife will think of her as old. You, on the other hand . . .
2. Stop mentioning the Prius as though you are some sort of environmentalist. The car belongs to your wife.
Just shut up and cry. That is all you are supposed to do.