<p>We’re dealing with this for the first time and there’s a lot to do before our noon departure tomorrow. DS is more concerned on connecting with friends before his departure. His little sister and I are picking up the slack in packing and planning. I’m thinking I’m happy being super busy because the littlest thing can bring me to tears. (The “dads” thread here for one. DH & DS have really bonded in the last few years… Whether it was sneaking 18 holes of golf into a work day or going to a “classic rock” concert, I’ve seen them become good friends on top of the father-son relationship.)</p>
<p>S who is a Senior just left after being home for 5 days. He went back on Greyhound with his duffel bag (full of clean clothes and some choice food items.) All his stuff for this year is in the apt. he moved into in June…So that was easy!</p>
<p>It does get easier after freshman year. When he was home we made sure to do some fun family things such as a Waterpark, and he got in his dentist appt. & an eye exam. He’s 21 and almost out of here…sniff! ;)</p>
<p>I don’t know about it being easier if they drive themselves. For S’s first 2 years, we drove him back and helped him move in. (OK, we carried stuff, I tried to stay back and let him and his roommate make the decisions about where things went. That was a lot easier the second time, when they both clearly knew what they were doing). This year he is driving himself, since he’s living in a suite in his frat and won’t need to bring a fridge. I’ve seen the room, but it’s not the same as seeing him settle in and make it his own. More importantly, I won’t meet his roommates or any of the other guys in the house. So personally, I’d find it “easier” emotionally to drive him there. But, it is nice to see how independent he is!</p>
<p>My son did the wisdom teeth thing the week before moving to his apt last year. Did the eye exam before his summer away in order to get more contact lenses. Once kids are in college parents start looking ahead to getting things taken care of while the family health insurance policy still covers kids. Reminder- need to arrange for his dental cleaning next spring… PackMom you may be lucky son left if he gets any discomfort and therefore irritable.</p>
<p>Each year shows more independence and makes the job easier. Living on their own makes them more aware of all of the little things- I’m now getting short questions on how I cook some things while I am reading at night and he is eating (again).</p>
<p>I’m spending the time getting maudlin. Oh, and nagging her to pack!</p>
<p>I have been packing (for the 3rd final trip) and screaching at grandkids to behave… after coming back from work and workout and buying more kids socks, because they keep on disappearing. I do not think I am ever bored, c’mon, there is always staff to do, good thing my body needs only 5 hours of sleep.</p>