We set off around the usual time we'd leave for school last year and saw younger kids waiting on the corner for the school bus... so that was poignant. We took the fork in the road.
And it continued to feel surreal. The kids remarked that I usually don't follow the posted speed limit quite so precisely. (The joke being that I was going slower than I usually would as if to stave off the inevitable.)
But our conversations were very light. I think all the serious stuff has already been said before. Today, I was struck by the clever wordplay in Chappell Roan's new song when it veers between "She's got a way" and "she got away." Nu good-naturedly rolled their eyes at that, so things felt more normal then. When we got to At's playlist, we found that she had Audioslave and Hole on there after finding them on an I-Pod she had inherited from me a long time ago.
We got to school, got a hero's welcome complete with pom-poms and cheerful helpers, dropped stuff off, said hello to Nu's roomie and their parents, got a big breakfast in town, and checked in on the family picnic. Nu insisted that they did not need (or want) help unpacking, (classic "I do it myself" Nu since they were about 18 months old), so we got some selfies and said goodbye.
Pic: A series of At, me, Nu, and Big A. I couldn't pick just one!
14 comments:
Awww! Such a big day! Mark also refused any help for setting things up and in second year, just drove his own stuff to his place - I never did see that one! He did allow me to come and see his latest (third!) apartment just off of campus though. Those independent kids of ours!
Nice.
I love the selfies. And yes, they want to unpack themselves! I hope the roommate is a good one, too. (I would have driven like an old person. Wait. I AM an old person! But I would have extended this as long as possible.)
This was a joyful day! Nu was ready and happy for this next step in their life, and the whole family was there for support and a loving send-off. I love the photos. And I love the air of independence and family love. Just Perfect!
I love the family selfies! I remember my mom helped me loft my bed but don’t remember much more about drop off! It’s a big change for everyone but I hope you and Big A find your footing and don’t find the house too quiet! If we could house swap for a day when you need more excitement/noise, Phil and I would be game! Ha!
I'm glad drop-off went well.
Thanks, Nicole! The other kid's family were helping them assemble things and make their bed, and I felt a bit bad just leaving. It's nice to know there's a range of drop-off etiquette.
Thank you!
Jeanie, I'm an old person too! The strange things we do subconsciously! lol
Thank you, Nance. Truly. I think I told someone elsewhere that I wouldn't have changed a single thing about drop-off. No notes, as they say. Truly thankful for that.
Excitement/noise + reading with littles? I really wish we could sign up or swap for that!! Any chance you're looking to move?!
Thank you, Steph!
Hi Maya! An end of an era indeed… I remember we got rid of the crib… I remember we donated the mobile. Baby clothes, toddler toys… one day it’s gonna be me with dropping a kid off at college. Many, many blessings your way. Feel the feels!!!
Daria from nj
Thank you, Daria! You're a long way off, but each of those milestones is one step closer for sure. I realized I still have toddler drawings pinned to the kitchen door... will I ever get rid of those? (I don't think so!)
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