To the parents of kiddos going to college....

I am sitting in my kitchen, reflecting on how much life has changed since my kiddos first went to college, and wanted to encourage those of you that have a first time college "goer".  

I encourage you to be prepared.  This part never changes, even when you move them in as Juniors, and they are 20  minutes from you....it never changes.  They don't like to see you cry, especially in front of a roommate.  Have that conversation before you leave them, I promise it works.  My conversation to Reed went sort of like this:

You are my heart and my soul, 

You make me happy when I am sad, 

Sad when you are unhappy,

But most of all I love you more than you will ever know.

After we both became emotional, he and I discussed how it was going to be weird not having our night time talks, morning discussions about dirty ears, and how important eating every morning could cause him to be successful.

Pack the car early, get there early, and leave early.  It is so difficult to tell them goodbye, but in their heart of hearts, they want you to go so they can become a college kid.  

Support your college "goer", but don't be "that weird mom".  Don't hang out in the parking lot after you have said goodbye, don't text them to let them know you made it home, and do NOT call them that night before bed....you will survive, and you may really not want to know what they are doing their first night with their wings.

Finally, when you get home, DO NOT GO INTO THEIR ROOM... well not the first night, anyway.  I made this mistake, I went into Reed's room just to smell it...holy moly did the tears flow. But, please remember he was my baby, my T1D, my sweet darlin'. 

My parting with Brooke was much like this also, but I constantly ask myself if I am old enough to have an adult child that has graduated from college....secretly the answer is HELL yes, and she is awesome, but in my heart she will always be my little girl that keeps me wondering about her life, her heart, and her mind.  

Reedah and Zola

As most of you know, Brooke struggles with severe anxiety.  This is her new tattoo reminding her that she may struggle through peaks and valleys, but with every valley, there is always an amazing peak....

On a Brookey note, she came home for a week, and normally after a week, I am okay for her to go.  I constantly go back and forth about wanting her to stay my little girl forever, but seeing all of the amazing things that she will do in the future.  We have been informed that there potentially maybe a very large decision in her future that could be an answered prayer! I will share more when I have her permission!!! :)

There will be more to come on tattoo's, piercings, and odd things college kids do! 

Most importantly, mom's, it is okay to miss them, to cry for them, and to want to see them.  It does get better, and most of all CELEBRATE THE WONDERFUL SUCCESS YOU HAVE ENDEAVORED.  THEY GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL, AND HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO COLLEGE!