Thursday, September 23, 2010

A Fledgling Leaves The Nest

For the last month all of Josh's friends have been going off to school. The University of Washington must start the latest of all schools. Today was move-in day--classes still don't start until next week--so this morning Josh and I drove over to Seattle to drop him off. Hugs from Steph and Kathy who was bravely trying to hold back the tears and we were off.

Josh could barely contain his excitement during the drive.

The school has move-in day down to a science. Josh was moved in in no time at all.This is the expanse of Josh's empire. A room that's maybe twenty by ten feet with three desks and three beds. Perfect for three guys to work on mutual respect, consideration and hygiene. One of Josh's roommates was already there. He's a young man from China who goes by the name Steed.

I did not ask.

After eighteen years of treating scraped knees, helping with homework, cheering at sports events, teaching how to cook and do laundry, etc., you still wonder if you've done everything possible to make sure your child is ready to make their own way.

I left Josh in his room and started the drive back home when he called me.

Dad, have you left already? I left my wallet in the car.

Oh, yeah. He's ready.

3 comments:

Pat S said...

Dropping your kid off at college, in my limited experience, is one of the most emotional days of your life, kind of up there with your wedding day and other certain really emotional days that I don't wanna go into. It's totally time and totally right to let them go and yet so hard. When I was safely clear of dropping Jacque off at WWU, I balled like a baby and was a total zombie on the drive home. Patty had her own unique experience, and we talked and tried to mesh our feelings on the way home. I don't know if we succeeded, but we were in total agreement on the power of the experience.

You bare a ton on your blog. You're great parents, a great fam. No doubt he'll rock the UW.

Shan said...

Oh man, I cannot even imagine. I should be able to since Corey's "grad faire" was Tuesday night.

As for the wallet... I read something today: Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

Makes me think he's about as ready as any of us.

Hank Greer said...

Pat and Shan,

Thank you both.

When Kathy took Geoff to college in New Rochelle, NY, seven years ago, it just tore her apart. That's why I was dispatched to take Josh. Still, when I got home, she was crying.

I'm more stoical about it, but I'm sure it'll be a different story four years from now when it's Stephanie's turn. Even now it hurts to think about it.