<p>Skype has made life much more bearable. I walked my laptop around the house by her request so she could “check in” on the cats and see her room (didn’t remember leaving it a mess - although I assured her she did in her rush to pack up). She panned her laptop so I could see how she had rearranged her dorm room (equally messy).</p>
<p>But the biggest bonus is even when she’s frustrated by a grade or upcoming test, inevitably other girls will pop into the room, peek into the camera and say hello, then my daughter will laugh and carry on a conversation about everything from lights out to who forgot to replace the TP in the bathroom. During our last visit I gave both my girls a necklace - half hearts that said “Lil Sis” and “Big Sis” so they would think of each other while separated. So weeks later, when my D bent down to pan her laptop at something on the floor - there dangling in front of the webcam was her necklace hanging from her neck.</p>
<p>Sometimes it just takes a little thing to know all is right with the world.</p>
<p>You’d think, having gone through it, I’d be more relaxed. I think it’s like being in any relationship - you get addicted to the hugs and that’s what I miss the most. I planning to hug her into a marshmellow at Thanksgiving. She’s already informed me she’s going to be studying for exams and free time will be short supply. Sigh.</p>
<p>If I had it to do over again would I let her choose BS if she had better local options? Absolutely. Her learning to navigate the world, then texting or calling to tell me about it (the successes and the failures) makes my day. It means that I have raised a good kid.</p>
<p>Same to all of you. You’re all amazing (in case no one has told you lately).</p>
<p>Still, there needs to be a twelve step program for parents of BS kids. :=)</p>