Gulp Feeling Sad about DS leaving (in 2017!)

hellomaisy
Tue, 08 Dec 2015 02:43:13 +0000

I thought I was ready. I went to BS, it changed my life, college couldn’t compare to the experiences I had at BS. Kiddo went to sleep-away camp at age 7; he was an exchange student living with a family for 3 months in Spain his 8th grade year; he hiked the Camino in Spain for several weeks last year. He has always been a very independent kid who embraced new adventures. I had no doubt this would be the best thing for him. With all that water under my bridge, I was stunned how completely wracked I was as I kissed him good bye and he turned and walked away from us and alone to the gym for the beginning of orientation. From our vantage point on the student center patio, I could watch him walk on the path below us the whole way… several excruciating minutes. The urge to yell, “stop, wait, come back”, was almost overwhelming.

Four months into this grand adventure, I am keenly aware that when he is home, he is just visiting. His life, his friends and “adults”, his inside jokes and favorite meals, are 2 hours away now. That’s how it was with me, and it gives me amazing insight into the incredible sacrifice my mom made when she let me go (I’m an only child).

I love that he is thriving - although his grades are mediocre at best - it truly is best for him. We had to ride him so very hard to do everything here at home, and I can see that our relationship has changed for the better. With all the changes it has brought to our lives (with him and apart from him), I still would do it again. I do wish I had known how hard it was going to be. I thought we were ready; he was, but I certainly was not.
Big hugs to you and all parents preparing to make this journey.