Also my contribution to Sundays In My City over at Unknown Mami’s.
There are some events in life that will surely test your will, your strength, and your confidence. Sending your child off to college is surely one of them. I have three kids, two of them (both daughters) are now college students. The first one is only 30 minutes from home, but the second one is now 6 hours away.
For years now I’ve known that one of my daughters would spread her wings and go off to college out of state. I was okay with that. To me, it wasn’t scary, but rather exciting. I always contended the whole idea didn’t bother me at all. We left at 5am in complete darkness and watched a rather uneventful sunrise with no colorful fanfare while crossing the OH and PA border. She slept pretty much the whole way except for bathroom breaks. This kid could sleep through Armageddon.
Syracuse University has a great check in process that makes it very smooth for the families, including an orderly line – leading eventually to a curbside pick up (and delivery to the room) of the students belongings. We also met her roommate who thankfully appears nice and normal… and her parents, with whom we shared an awesome campus meal.
Syracuse University is a beautiful campus with a mix of old and new buildings. Breathtaking views of city abound!
It didn’t hit me until we gave her a kiss and hug goodbye… I am actually leaving my daughter 6 hours from home. This isn’t a sleepover… I am actually leaving my kid in another State. Thoughts swirled around in my head on the drive home. Paul Simon’s Mother and Child Reunion played on the radio. For 18 years she’s been very centered and independent. At this point all I can do is have faith in myself for how we’ve raised her… and have faith in her to make her own mistakes and enjoy her triumphs. My child who slept clutching a teddy bear just hours earlier; my child who 30 minutes earlier skipped and laughed with her father as we walked back to her dorm… is on her own. I took one last photo as we were getting on the the highway to head home… her Hall. She’s in there somewhere… embarking on her future.
This brought a tear… I just left my daughter 11 hours away from home at grad school. We work hard to prepare our kids to be independent and then can’t believe how quickly that day comes when they are off on their own. It does make it easier when they are so excited about their new adventure. Good luck to your daughter at Syracuse.
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 7:38 am
@Tara R.,
And good luck to your daughter at grad school! That’s quite an accomplishment to go so far!
[Reply]
Oh my, what an exciting and scary time. I have 2 girls who are only 6 and 3 and I can’t imagine such a time. Your daughter looks happy and confident!! I am sure she will do well! (and you too!) Great idea to document the event as you have too!
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 7:39 am
@Mez,
Thank you! And yes, you have a long way to go to get to this point with a 6 and 3 year old. But it goes SO FAST! Enjoy!
[Reply]
You’ve just capsulized the experience of children spreading their wings perfectly. I required two kleenexes while reading. Part of me is excited for her and the other part, that part that’s watched her grow from a tiny person into the great kid she is now can’t believe that it’s really time for her to be in college.
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 8:30 am
@Donna,
Thanks, now I have tears, lol. It’s just such a weird experience… it’s like time doesn’t stand still… you just have to hold on to your raft and see where the current takes you. Life is amazing.
[Reply]
I am crying my eyes out. I know she will do great. She has such a happy and confident smile. May God bless her as she embarks upon the future. I will pray for you today because that has to be so stinking hard. I know my baby will leave one day and the thought already makes me sad. : ( I know it is a good thing for them…but it sure hurts us, doesn’t it?
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 9:19 am
@Life with Kaishon,
Ah, thanks! It’s actually quite exciting at this point. I enjoy both my daughters updates and hearing about life away from home. It’s kinda cool!
[Reply]
Lovely post!! And I having tears leaving my boys at pre-school just two mornings a week, lol!!
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@Jenna @ Newlyweds,
Awe! Yes, preschool is a tough one! Wait til kindergarten and they are gone all day! Although you’ll get some much needed mommy time for sure – eventually – when you get over missing them all day long.
[Reply]
You’ve got me in tears over here. Congratulations to her and you on this momentous occasion.
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Unknown Mami,
Thanks, and thanks for hosting SIMC every week. Love it!
[Reply]
Oh, Sheila! What a simultaneously difficult and wonderful thing! I know that we raise our children to leave us but it still seems so difficult — heck, second grade is getting me!
All my best to you and her. I am sure that she will takes those wings you gave her and FLY!!!
Traci
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Star Traci,
Yes, it is both difficult and wonderful! Thanks for the nice words!
[Reply]
Wow. Oh. Wow. I cannot even imagine. (Yeah, some help I am, huh?) But she will be just fine. You are a good momma.
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@Shady Lady,
Oh, well thanks ! I’m already enjoying the updates and hearing about new friends – from both my girls. It’s a very exciting time!
[Reply]
Congratulations Sheila! I just did the same thing over the weekend, about 6-7 hours away as well. Glad it went well! It’s like that saying about roots and wings:
Good parents give their children roots and wings. Roots to know where home is, wings to fly away and exercise what’s been taught them.
~ Jonas Salk
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 7:44 pm
@Betsy,
Oooo I just love that saying! Never heard it before, so thanks! Another thing we have in common I guess with of all things like the distance to college! LOL
[Reply]
Oh my god, I do not envy you, I’m a long way off those days, but they are sure to come. I can’t even begin to imagine.
[Reply]
I have never heard the ‘roots and wings’ saying before but it is so beautiful and appropriate. I am sure that you have provided the strength, confidence and ability for her to thrive in her new world.
I love the photo of her and he dad skipping – just beautiful.
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 29th, 2011 at 4:15 am
@del,
Ah, thanks for such nice words! I love that photo too! Thanks for stopping by today!
[Reply]
The photograph were her father is priceless. When 2 of my 4 daughters were seniors they were exchange students. One went to Mexico and the other New Zealand. I look back on that and think what was I thinking?!?! They both loved it and it was life changing. I’m not sure I would allow it again however I’m not sure I could have held them back. Growing pains for all.
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 30th, 2011 at 9:27 am
@Tess The Bold Life,
Wow, That is interesting! I thought another state was a big move! But another country? I bet it was an amazing experience for both your girls went out of country! I’ve seen many pics of New Zealand… what a GORGEOUS country!
[Reply]
I love the photos…..they would be such a wonderful memory one day. It must be so hard to let go, but happy and exciting for them at the same time.
My oldest is starting grade 9 this year and I am already stressing about him leaving for college or university.
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 30th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@Bibi,
Yes! It’s all those things rolled into one! With a 9 year old I guess you have alittle time… but gosh… it really does go SO fast!
[Reply]
I’m crying. For your bravery, her independence and my own future that seems so far away right now, but will be here sooner than I can blink. Good for you all. Sigh.
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 31st, 2011 at 4:39 am
@Missy | The Literal Mom,
Yes, it goes fast! Just read your puberty post, LOL!
[Reply]
Lovely post Sheila! Such a trauma when children grow up and remind us of our ages, LOL.
I still find it hard to believe my kid has one more kid than I had!
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
August 31st, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@DaisyDeadhead,
)
Oh that is so funny! lol and true!
I can’t believe you are a grandma! That’s crazy!
[Reply]
You have a beautiful daughter. Know what you mean. Mine has enrolled for a fe uni’s One option is 6 hours from home, the other two close two home. keep my fingers crossed (to keep her home)
[Reply]
Sheila
Reply:
September 1st, 2011 at 6:10 am
@marja,
It’s quite an amazing process to watch our children grow up, isn’t it? I’ll say thank you on the beautiful compliment and say the same to you, I’ve seen your daughter on your blog, she’s stunning.
[Reply]