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So, over the weekend, my daughter went to Freshman Orientation at her college of choice. There were plenty of activities, some with parents invited, some just for the students. On Sunday there was a special service, which was supposed to be the last event with parents included. During this, the president of the college spoke and read a poem that he had written about his daughter as they dropped her off at college. It was a tear jerker, to say the least. Now I ask you, “Who needs to hear a sentimental poem when they’re already on the verge of crying as it is?”

Even before the poem, I could see that all around me, moms were wiping tears from their cheeks. During the poem, even more so. Not me, though; I had my “tear blocker” on. I was determined not to cry, and I didn’t. Sometimes I can control it, sometimes not. Of course, it helped that my daughter was not officially leaving…yet. Not fair, I know.

But before this poem and special service, we had a continental breakfast and a chance to mingle. So, being the “helpful” mom that I am, I decided to help my daughter meet some people since she wasn’t really being proactive about it. I picked another mom/daughter pair that wasn’t talking to anyone and introduced ourselves.

We talked and soon discovered that they were from Alaska…far away! The mom started going on about how there were other relatives that lived in-state and that they could get here if need be, and… The next thing I know she starts sobbing! I felt so bad, and of course, totally imaging how she was feeling, I started to tear up also as I hugged her and said, “It’s all right.”

What were the girls doing while this exchange was going on? You know, the typical look-away-and-act-like-you-don’t-know-them trick. Well, so much for my efforts to socialize. I decided to stick with Mae and her sister and Mae’s boyfriend and parents after that–much safer that way.

We were also invited to a nice lunch, but before that there was a little ceremony. It was sweet, really. Everyone made a big circle outside: the professors on the inside; students on the outside. There was a big printed ribbon in between with the name of the school and the year; and students were to hold on to that as the teachers cut sections off and handed them back to the students.  It was to symbolize that the parents were parting from their kids, but the school staff was welcoming them in. 

After that, there were no more events for the parents. (I’m sure there were some really long and painful goodbyes later that day or the next.) The rest of the weekend was full of advisor meetings and student activities. And by the end of it, Mae had already made a couple friends and was feeling pretty comfortable on campus. 

Tuesday was her first day, and it was a joy to hear all about it when she got home. I’m so thankful that she does get to come home (for now) and that I still get to hear about her day, the newness and adventure of college, and all the accomplishments along the way. And I’m happy to say, there are no more tears, just the promise of a great start to a whole new set of opportunities and discoveries.

How about you, fellow bloggers. Anyone out there have a hard time parting with your kids this week, college aged or younger? Feel free to share your own story in a comment. And God bless you all as you embark on a new school year.