“The girl has left the building.”
She’s off to college, settling into her new dorm room on the 10th floor of a bustling campus that’s way bigger than her high school. With more neighbors than there were students in her graduating class, she’s ready to take on the world, and honestly, no one who knows her is surprised.
Her last summer at home felt like she was a distant memory. Juggling three jobs, I often went days only catching a fleeting whiff of her shampoo as she zoomed past. Looking back, perhaps this was the universe’s way of preparing me for her absence.
Restlessness has been her companion on the path to adulthood, and with each passing day, it grew more intense. Once the graduation celebrations were over, her small-town life felt far too confining. She was ready for change.
I can completely relate; after all, she’s her mother’s daughter.
A few days after we dropped her off, I finally braced myself to step into her room. Honestly, it could have used a serious cleanout. (Every mom of a teenage girl knows exactly what I mean!) I had held back from saying anything during the last weeks at home, wanting to avoid any drama before her departure.
As her final night at home unfolded, I noticed her anxiety building — from frantic cries of “Where’s my insurance card?” to a soft, “Oh, here it is,” just minutes later. This cycle repeated a few times.
She left full of excitement for the new adventures ahead, and it felt just as the stories describe — a mix of bittersweet emotions and a dash of “can’t wait” for both of us.
Having sent my son off to the Air Force Reserves a couple of years ago, this isn’t my first experience with sending a child away. With him, his departure was different; while she is restless, he was downright reckless. I think I slept the best the day he arrived safely at boot camp.
I genuinely feel thrilled for her, and surprisingly, I don’t miss her as much as I anticipated. She checks in regularly (more than when she was living at home) and shares details about her new life, embracing the independence she’s been eager to claim.
I know that this peaceful phase will likely lead to some serious rule negotiations when she returns for the holidays. I can already hear her asking, “Rules? What are those?” Good times are surely ahead.
In her absence, I’ll patiently await her next call or text, relishing the small victories of not scrambling each morning for my comb, cream, mascara, or those beige sandals with cork heels. (Let’s face it, they’re probably in her dorm room anyway!)
For now, there are no wet towels on the floor. But I miss our movie nights watching Rock of Ages together. My heart twinges when I realize I don’t have to specifically request a vegetarian dish for takeout. And the familiar scent of expensive shampoo is gone (hello, Old Spice and Axe, goodbye Herbal Essences).
Yet, I remind myself she’s only away temporarily.
As I finished writing this, another text from her popped up: “I miss you guys.” Perhaps all that teenage angst isn’t as intense anymore. Maybe she heard an ’80s tune and thought of me. Or perhaps she’s just looking forward to returning home to her freshly cleaned room during the holidays.
Regardless of the reason, I’ll be keeping that text close.
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Summary
In this heartfelt reflection, the author shares the bittersweet emotions of sending their child off to college. While the absence of their daughter brings challenges, it also opens doors to new experiences for both mother and child. The journey of parenting continues, filled with anticipation and love.