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She used to be my girl
By Me | August 28, 2007
My eldest daughter is, by now, an officially enrolled and fully matriculated freshman at Ithaca College.
We took her to school on Sunday, helped her move her stuff in, watched her unpack (her drawers have never been neater). Gino set up her computer — mostly … we just sent her network card so she can connect to the Internet through her roommate’s router. Once that arrives, she’ll be back on the net … much to her Daddy’s relief.
We stopped by the bursar’s office to take care of some business there (of course). And we went with her to the ID office for the dining halls so that she could get her ID card so that she could eat that evening. And we met her roommie, Jackie, and roommie’s parents, Ellen and Brandon.
Then we mosied out to the car to leave. We hugged her. She cried. Gino almost cried. Kimmie, who came with us, went emo.
I must be the most unnatural parent. I knew I would miss my Gina-girl but I don’t really feel so sad that she’s gone off to college. Maybe it’s because, in my head, this is a small step and she’s not really gone. Or maybe it’s because I know that she’s moving into a really wonderful time in her life and I’m excited for her.
Or maybe it’s just that I know this how it’s supposed to be. It’s time for her to take this step. I’m not worried that she can’t handle it. I’m not worried that anything terrible is going to happen to her. And I’m not worried that I’m losing anything here.
This is my first successful launch. I’m tickled pink.
There’s something else, too. I’m not expecting her back here until Thanksgiving break. It’ll be right around her 18th birthday, too. She will have been gone for a few months and she will have had time to find her feet over there in Ithaca. She will have spent a couple of months taking care of herself in all the ways she’ll need to take care of herself and she will have started to make some of the friendships that she may well keep for the rest of her life.
She will be different. I’m expecting it to be kind of subtle, hard to put your finger on. If she seemed really cool when she left, she’ll be amazing when she comes back to visit.
I can’t wait. I can’t wait to see what she’ll be like then.
Topics: Girl People |
3 Responses to “She used to be my girl”
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August 29th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
My friend leaves for college in about three weeks. He lights up when he talks about it.
Response from Me: Yes, but do you?
August 29th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
What a wonderful way of looking at send your child off to college. I wish more parents had your wisdom and emotional good sense.
Response from Me: Thanks, Spirit! That’s way better than thinking I’m just weird.
August 29th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
oops…”sendING”
Response from Me: It’s cool. We don’t grade for spelling or grammar here.