The house was a little quiet last night. After 23 ½ years of mothering to the best of my ability, I dropped you at C.U. yesterday to begin your college journey. You went without knowing your roommate, never coordinated bedding (I think that may be a girl thing), and basically marched up the stairs with one huge box and a suitcase. I loved that the box included a wide variety of essentials: knives (yep...that's my boy), Rubik's cubes, a few different gaming machines, and of course, a fan. You like white noise when you sleep and can't stand to be hot. You and brother hate top sheet. We made your bed with a fitted sheet only and amazing quilt that Ms. Nicole made for your graduation. All of those t-shirts reminders of the many activities which brought you joy. I know you hate lettuce, but just try a salad every once in awhile. Remember what you told me this week: you don't eat meatloaf at restaurants, so you wait for mine…let's keep it that way. I know you prefer fidgeting with something or programming a computer to watching a movie, but someday you may meet a pretty and intelligent (and Christian and…well I digress) girl who changes all of that. You may be self-conscious about playing sports, but are one of the strongest people I have ever known. You may have laughed until you cried with your brother, but he taught you how to wrestle and fight like a man. Always fight for what is right and know that you are a role model to people who you may not even know. Your ability to connect with people from all walks of life will far outweigh any disabilities that life brings.
There is so much more that Mom's know, but it dawned on me long ago when we took Thomas to school in California, it is time to take a step back, and TRUST. Trust that we have raised you to know right from wrong, pay a bill, go to the doctor as needed, microwave popcorn, look people in the eye, respect elders, and so many other necessities of living. It's a humbling experience to realize that although I will ALWAYS be your Mom, you need to learn how to live on their own, suffer heart-aches, find a ride, go to church, and make Ramen 50 ways.
I love fall. Ever since I taught school, it symbolized the start of something big: new notebooks (PeeChees!), pencils, teachers, and friends. I made some of my lifelong friends in college and am so grateful for Coffee Talk Dad who talked to me for an hour on the Sig Phi Epsilon Basketball court in the spring of 1987 which led to the life I have now. I am always here when you need me, but my wish for today is that you FLY, Buzz!
With Love,
Your Mom
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