My son left for college in September. Or better yet, I left him at college in September. I did everything I could to make this summer special because this is huge. He is crossing over into the huge new phase of his life, and I in mine. Leading up to his move-in date we were consumed with a flurry of activity, still visiting schools, purchasing things for his dorm room, getting a last minute computer, ordering things, packing things, reading a thousand notes from the school he chose and the other schools he didn’t choose and still having conversations with admissions people, attending orientation Zoom meetings, making every moment a teachable moment (Does Carson know how to do laundry? Yes. Does Carson know how to use Uber or DoorDash? No. Does Carson know how to handle his banking? Yes.) And while outwardly I was a cheerleader, inside I was panicking and crying in the shower unexpectedly. I kept envisioning myself crying during the move-in and drop off. And Carson got really quiet on me a couple of weeks before we left.
Wanting to give him everything he needed, I ironed every piece of clothing he packed. But when we arrived, the school handled the move-in process seamlessly. Carson’s dorm/apartment was gorgeous and brand new. His roommate was kind (as was his family) and the faculty was beyond helpful. In a matter of hours, Carson had plans with his new roommate and basically told me and left his dad and I standing there, looking around. We stayed in Savannah overnight for the orientation the next day. But by the time my flight took off the next evening, the sadness I thought I would feel was replaced by sheer joy for Carson – and for myself. Because while my beautiful son is embarking on an adventure at his dream school, I realize that I too get to pursue my dreams. I am so excited for Carson and I am excited to see him continue to thrive and shine. Go do great things baby …
May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you’re far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you’d have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you’ll always stay
Forever young.
May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to Heaven
With a prince or a vagabond
And may you never love in vain
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young.
And when you finally fly away
I’ll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell
But whatever road you choose
I’m right behind you, win or lose
Forever young.
I love you Carson. Thank you for choosing me.