Off She Goes!

Well this day finally came. How 18 years has already gone by is beyond me. We had packed the car the night before. Thank goodness we have a mini van and don't need the 3rd row. The van was stuffed with all her must haves with just enough room for the 4 of us to fit in. We had a 6 plus hour ride ahead of us depending on the traffic. By 8 o'clock we were on our way!

As we made our way south, I began to reminisce about my little girl. Where had all the time gone? I still remember her first day of kindergarten. She was so excited! She hopped on the bus, gave us a big wave, took her seat, and off she went. It was me and her brother that were left teary eyed. Fast forward 18 years. Will tomorrow's parting be the same. Will she be so excited that she leaves us easily and we are again left teary eyed?

About the time we hit the Garden State Parkway, I started going through the motherly advice that I had given her. Always walk with a buddy, never leave a drink unattended, try new things, make use of the career counseling center on campus...and the list went on. But wait, what if I forgot something? How would she know what to do?

The actual move-in day went by in a flash. She was in line by 8:45 am waiting to register. By 1 she was unpacked and we were headed to lunch. At 2 she was off to a meeting and we had our own meeting at 3:30. Suddenly it was 5:15 and it was time to say goodbye. Oh no, I don't think I can do this. I'm not ready. I had no choice though and could not delay. She needed to go eat before she had a floor meeting at 6. What to say, what words of wisdom to give her? In the end, it was a long hug with few words exchanged. We rode down in the elevator with her and her roommate. And just like kindergarten, away she went smiling and excited and I was left a little teary eyed.