Off to College …

I feel an explanation is owed for my long absence, but LIFE HAPPENS!  Annie graduated from high school, Erin graduated from middle school, we had a long good summer (Erin won the title Junior Miss Tennessee of Baton Twirling), then baby started high school, and NOW… NOW the oldest starts college.  This Friday.  Two days.

I’ve been experiencing a wide range of emotions this week – sadness, happiness, fear, glee, pride, nervousness.  Annie has been pretty angry at me for making her move on campus.  Her university is only about 30 to 40 minutes from the house, but I felt dorm life is very important to the whole college experience.  Sharing a room, using a community bathroom, walking to meet your friends at the cafeteria, late night pizzas, parties (alcohol free of course) (right…), and classes.

Today she and some friends drove to the university and just hung out.  They bought their textbooks and walked to each others dorms before coming home.  She called me and *finally* said, “I think I’m getting pretty excited about this Mom. But I’m still a little nervous.”  Her excitement is now very blatant…  she’s going through her room packing.  We’ve convinced her that she doesn’t need to bring all of the Harry Potter books.  We’ve told her to leave valuables at home … at least the things she wouldn’t ever want to lose.

Now I’m questioning myself – did I remind her to never walk alone at night, did I tell her about drinking and driving, drugs, to always lock her dorm room, to keep her keys in her hands when she’s entering the dorm or her room, to not miss class, to keep all her homework “due” dates on a calendar.  I worry that I’m too worried.  I have butterflies for her.  I’m trying not to cry in front of her.  I’m so excited.

What a great time in a young adults life – she’s perched and ready to fly.