It's here, another major milestone! Brittany is off to college. I am still in denial and may stay there until ....hmmmm December sounds good...then she'll be home on break.
Maybe it's more real for him because he took her to the college visitations "way out there" and watched her face light up once she saw the campus. He knows her heart is already in Oklahoma. It will be Brad taking her on the big road trip from Virginia to Oklahoma with stops in Tennessee to visit family. We will pray hard for Brittany as we know how much Brad loves to travel through busy unfamiliar cities, and how he likes to "passionately critique" other drivers who perhaps aren't focused on driving while behind the wheel.
Britt is fretting as to whether 10 pairs of shoes and 2 suitcases of clothing are too much. I remind her, that this is her life...this is not summer camp. Take it all and see what fits!
I find it both touching and amusing that Brad is worried for ME when "It" hits the fan. All those times he was pacing back and forth that he did over the years as I slept soundly, or read to pass the time, and he is worried about me?! ...I know he has a valid concern. Both my Alpha and Omega children will both be away from me. Let's not think about it.
Let's think about what this means to Stephi. I can see it now....Stephi will be so tired of being the center of our attention, that she will run wildly out of the door screaming for space and her independence when it comes her time to leave in two years.
I'm now turning to distraction by suggesting to Brittany that she map out the road trip she and her dad will take and stop for some great photo ops such as "Largest ball of yarn; World's largest skillet" or something fun. It looks like Graceland in Memphis might fit the bill. I'm sure Brad will love the jungle room.
As my mind wanders, all I can think about is I hope she has as great a college experience as I did. I loved college and the people who became my life. I reminded her that she needs to find her "Marcia and Gloria"...former college 'partners in crime' aka roomies who have become sisters of a different mother.
Oh, and Britt if you're reading this, I really don't need to hear those amazing stories of what made those college friendships great until years from now. My heart is fragile :)
~ I have told her I have plans for her room. She just rolls her eyes.
~ I remind her that I won't even notice she's gone. She laughs until she cackles.
~ I have told her I will get my needed daily hugs from other sources...strangers if I have to. She nods in agreement to that one. Hmmmm.
~ I have told her I'm thrilled my house will remain clean. She reminds me she was the neat child.
I have used great quotes from well respected sources such as the movie "Bull Durham" to get her prepared. "Brittany, college classes are gonna light you up like a pinball game for a little while; Don't worry about it". She looks relieved. Really? I quote a baseball movie and she gets it!
I'm not really in denial. I know I'll miss her and grieve her madly, but right now all I can be is excited for her! How wonderful is this first taste of independence? She gets to make her own dreams come true and enjoy the moment! Her "workday" is a day of constant learning, reading, and socializing with people her age. Her whole world is within walking distance and she will plan her life out a week at a time. No greater time is there than these.
Of course it comes up....that big elephant in the room. How will she do on her own across country when those pangs for her baby brother hit full force? I honestly don't know....we are venturing into uncharted territory. But one thing is certain... I am only 1 exit away from the airport and I will cash in my 401k if that's what I need to do to get to her in a time of need.
She is my oldest child, my light, my world and now it's time for me to let her grow her earthly wings. I just won't let her see the tears that fall as we leave her on her own. I have to keep remembering that she is God's child and there are things he needs her to do so I will do my best to cut the apron strings and let her do her thing.
It all comes down to this great quote by Eleanor Powell.....
"What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God." ~Eleanor Powell
Sending Hugs to my Beautiful Brittany!
Hugs,
Sherri
Brad, always the practical engineer, has been trying to prepare me for this huge change. He always forgets I have the gift of being oblivious to the obvious. I think I like that gift right now. He is already grieving the loss of having Britt at home to aggravate and love on a daily basis. I don't feel it yet...I can only focus on today and she's here.
You would never know this man has travelled all over the world during his career. He has been fretting about everything.....will everything fit in the car? Is she packed? Is she ready? I assure him everything will be fine. In about a week I won't be so sure.
Brad is so focused on Britt that he has filled the car with college stuff and left his beloved golf clubs at home alone without a sitter. When Britt asked him if he was taking his clubs on this trip with her, and he answered "No, it's all about you!" I think she was shocked...and touched. No greater love is there than a parent for their child.
Let's think about what this means to Stephi. I can see it now....Stephi will be so tired of being the center of our attention, that she will run wildly out of the door screaming for space and her independence when it comes her time to leave in two years.
I'm now turning to distraction by suggesting to Brittany that she map out the road trip she and her dad will take and stop for some great photo ops such as "Largest ball of yarn; World's largest skillet" or something fun. It looks like Graceland in Memphis might fit the bill. I'm sure Brad will love the jungle room.
As my mind wanders, all I can think about is I hope she has as great a college experience as I did. I loved college and the people who became my life. I reminded her that she needs to find her "Marcia and Gloria"...former college 'partners in crime' aka roomies who have become sisters of a different mother.
Oh, and Britt if you're reading this, I really don't need to hear those amazing stories of what made those college friendships great until years from now. My heart is fragile :)
Yep, I'm handling it really well.
~ I have told her I have plans for her room. She just rolls her eyes.
~ I remind her that I won't even notice she's gone. She laughs until she cackles.
~ I have told her I will get my needed daily hugs from other sources...strangers if I have to. She nods in agreement to that one. Hmmmm.
~ I have told her I'm thrilled my house will remain clean. She reminds me she was the neat child.
I have used great quotes from well respected sources such as the movie "Bull Durham" to get her prepared. "Brittany, college classes are gonna light you up like a pinball game for a little while; Don't worry about it". She looks relieved. Really? I quote a baseball movie and she gets it!
I'm not really in denial. I know I'll miss her and grieve her madly, but right now all I can be is excited for her! How wonderful is this first taste of independence? She gets to make her own dreams come true and enjoy the moment! Her "workday" is a day of constant learning, reading, and socializing with people her age. Her whole world is within walking distance and she will plan her life out a week at a time. No greater time is there than these.
Of course it comes up....that big elephant in the room. How will she do on her own across country when those pangs for her baby brother hit full force? I honestly don't know....we are venturing into uncharted territory. But one thing is certain... I am only 1 exit away from the airport and I will cash in my 401k if that's what I need to do to get to her in a time of need.
She is my oldest child, my light, my world and now it's time for me to let her grow her earthly wings. I just won't let her see the tears that fall as we leave her on her own. I have to keep remembering that she is God's child and there are things he needs her to do so I will do my best to cut the apron strings and let her do her thing.
It all comes down to this great quote by Eleanor Powell.....
"What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God." ~Eleanor Powell
Sending Hugs to my Beautiful Brittany!
Hugs,
Sherri
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