It’s all too real. They weren’t kidding when they said time flies. One moment you’re organizing a bedtime story, and the next you’re in a bustling store, armed with a dorm checklist, a headache, and an overwhelming wave of emotions. So, pack the car with storage bins, comfy towels, your best jokes, and a hefty box of tissues—because your firstborn is heading off to college!
- Oh my goodness! This is really happening! He’s leaving!
- Packing is a nightmare, especially when it’s your “little one” who’s moving out.
- No, you can’t just take one pair of flip-flops as your only footwear. Yes, you need actual pants!
- Did we forget anything? Seriously, he needs what?! My wallet is crying.
- I’m not making five trips to Target today. Not happening!
- There’s the dorm! I can handle this; I can handle this!
- Wait, I can’t do this.
- How did my mom drop me off here 26 years ago?
- Stairs. So many stairs. Remember, stairs are not fun when tipsy!
- Hangovers are worse. Time for another drinking chat—like yesterday!
- Awww! Look at all these bright kids. They seem so cheerful!
- And anxious. A few look really, really nervous. I just want to hug them. Does anyone even make eye contact anymore?
- Okay, the anxious ones are trailing behind a very nervous mom.
- Please tell me I’m not that mom.
- I’m too young to have a kid in college. Nope, not accepting this.
- That girl looks 12! How is her mom just leaving her here?
- That girl looks 25! My husband is desperately trying not to stare.
- When did shorts become underwear? Stop looking; they’re not your daughters.
- But they could one day be your daughter-in-law…maybe.
- But definitely not anytime soon. Please, let him stay a virgin forever!
- Before you go, explain “no” again. Seriously, I’ll say it till I’m blue.
- Note for future kids: tour all-male colleges.
- Girls living next door? What is this, 1955?
- Ah, the dorm laundry room. One less kid’s laundry to do at home! Praise the heavens!
- I’ll bet he comes back with everything he owns looking like a disaster.
- Hello, Target. It’s me again.
- Met the roommate. He’s super clean and organized. This is gonna be interesting.
- One toilet. One shower. Four 18-year-olds. Yikes!
- Time to buy more bleach.
- Resist the urge to neatly fold his towels. Just don’t do it!
- Okay, I can at least make his bed look nice. Don’t let him see those tears!
- I want to squeeze him tight but must let him be “cool” in front of his friends.
- Can’t do this.
- Met the roommate’s dad. He looks just as lost as I feel. We shared a look that screamed, “Why did time fly by?”
- Ramen, rice, canned soup—safe bets, right? No chance of burning this place down!
- That mattress looks like it needs ten more layers of padding. Ewwwww.
- Hand soap, cherry blossom scent. Will these boys even use this? Yikes!
- Gray and navy. Boys don’t decorate. This room is a prison cell!
- Can I peek into some girls’ dorms to admire their decor?
- Oh no, he’s just tossing clothes into drawers unfolded. Deep breath. Not my room, not my problem!
- Heard another kid arguing with their parents. I don’t want to leave like that. Smile, breathe, enjoy the moment.
- I really can’t do this.
- College kids today need so little. No more alarm clocks or notebooks—just their phone and a laptop? So cool!
- If I call and he doesn’t answer, claiming his phone is dead, I’m not buying it.
- Sending him a backup phone battery and extra charging cords—just in case.
- Tylenol—check. Cough syrup—check. Bandaids—check. He’s going to be lost without mom.
- Goodbye time!
- I can do this. I can do this!
- Hug him tightly, tell him how proud you are, then walk out confidently. Save the tears for the car ride.
- I did it! I dropped my kid off at college without losing it. Let the tears flow—happy tears!
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In summary, college drop-off is a whirlwind of emotions, from disbelief and nostalgia to pride and a touch of panic. You realize how quickly time flies and how much you’ve prepared for this moment. Embrace the chaos, cherish the memories, and remember, you’ve done a great job raising your child.