Take this leaving for college thing, for example.
I know, or at least I've heard, how it's supposed to work.
The way I understand it, in most families, kids spend their senior year applying for college. They take ACT's, visit a few colleges, apply, debate their OPTIONS, and finally make a choice. Then they graduate, and spend the summer sorting through high school mementos and visiting Bed, Bath and Beyond, and packing.
And then, in late August, they leave.
That's most families. But that's not how we do it in our family.
About two weeks ago, the stars aligned, and things fell into place, and my younger son decided he would go to college. Nine hundred miles away from home. In 48 hours. Seriously. I'm not kidding.
On Thursday night, he talked to a football coach and rush ordered new football cleats (when you have size 17 feet you can't just go into a store and buy shoes, you have to special order them). On Friday, he went and got a new driver's license and I made plane reservations. On Saturday, we went and shopped for sheets and towels, and bought a suitcase. I also helped color a pair of pink cleats with a black sharpie, but that is a whole other slice. And on Sunday morning, he got on a plane with his football coach and moved to Arizona to go to college.
Since then, I have made four trips to the UPS store. The first time, I mailed a bag of shoes, because somehow, he had gotten to Arizona with his Jordan sandals and his football cleats. The second time, I mailed the new football cleats. The third trip, I mailed his special pillow. And then today, I mailed the long board (but that is also a story for another slice-- too bad this isn't March, because I have plenty to write about).
I also went to Arizona last weekend. I stopped in Phoenix and stocked Son #1's refrigerator. Then I drove three hours east to help Son #2 get settled. I bought a microwave and dorm refrigerator. And a special pillow, because the first one I mailed never got there. Or at least it didn't get there until after I bought the second one. And I sat through a scrimmage in a monsoon. And paid an extra $175 for a replacement ticket (but that is a story for another slice).
And now I am back in Denver.
Trying to pretend that it's ordinary for our house to be so very, very quiet.
It seems that you are going to learn a LOT about Arizona in these next years, Carol, & be on a first name basis at the PO! That might be another slice, too. I can't believe it all happened, & imagine there's a tiny bit of you that relishes some quiet. Yet, I know there's another part that thinks it's too, too quiet. Best wishes for a great start to the year. Perhaps one of these Saturdays we can meet down at the TC coffee shop, or, your choice! Unless you're running to the PO! (You have a wonderful writing voice, I hope you know!)
ReplyDeleteExciting and happy for your boys, but your little family life (all the ups and the downs and not so ordinary ways) will never be the same. Thinking of you and praying for your boys that are so far away! Still a mom near or far!
ReplyDeleteWhat a whirlwind! Blessings and prayers for this transition. I hope you will tell those other stories, too.
ReplyDeleteWow - what an end to your school year! Hope it all goes well. You certainly do have a lot to slice about. :)
ReplyDeleteI suspect you could (should) write every day so that you can remember each and every trip to the PO (and the ones to Arizona) along with the many new adventures this fall-football season will bring your way.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an adventure! And it seems like you are taking it all in stride...maybe because you've had years and years of experience with those kiddos! My oldest son is starting 1st grade this year so I have at least 10 years to go but it will be fun to see him go to college, too.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so curious about the long board...
I'll say this again, Carol. You are an amazingly patient and generous mom. Is this the last of the UPS runs??? Hope so!
ReplyDeleteThat is somethin', Carol! May the transition be smooth for EVERYONE!
ReplyDeleteWhat a week/month/year/decade! Keep telling your stories!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is one whirlwind of a week! I am so interested in the stories for other slices that you mentioned. I hope you will share more with us in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhat a story! The pink cleats/black Sharpie part really made me smile. Such are the adventures we can look back on with a few laughs and fond memories. Best wishes to you and your family :)
ReplyDeleteYes, "fall into place" for your family seems to mean "landslide."
ReplyDeleteThinking of you. Now I know why your Internet Corner has been so quiet -- life has NOT been!