Son:
I had spent the night before packing my belongings and reminiscing with friends, tears flowing beneath the glow of a streetlamp in our suburban maze. I was eager to leave for the hustle of New York City, exchanging hugs and promises to stay in touch. This was the start of a bittersweet farewell to a life I had cherished, yet I welcomed the change without fear. Those tears were the only sentimentality I allowed myself.
Mom:
I took one last stroll through his room to ensure nothing was left behind. He promised he’d do it, but some habits are hard to shake. Usually, finding anything in my youngest son’s tiny room was a challenge—it was always cluttered with clothes, books, and items I’d long wondered about. But today, as we prepared to drive him 1,500 miles away to college, it was surprisingly tidy. Only the usual mess remained: a few dirty glasses, empty snack wrappers, and the dog’s bed—minus the dog. He had hoped our pup, Max, would stay with him for one last night, but sleep was elusive. After saying goodbye to friends, he returned home wide awake. To distract ourselves, we made a late-night trip to the 24-hour Walmart for something he needed. I can’t recall what it was—perhaps it didn’t matter. We were moving, and that motion kept our minds busy.
Son:
The next morning, standing in my bedroom door, my finger hovered over the light switch. I scanned the space I had called home for nine years, searching for closure, but felt mostly indifferent. Turning off the light, I bid farewell to Max, who had been with me since I was five. Surprisingly, saying goodbye to the things and people I loved was easier than expected. I pondered why that was as my parents and I drove to the airport, my mom chatting away.
Mom:
At the airport, he chose a tuna salad sandwich for breakfast. How did he manage to find that at 6 a.m.? I made small talk while my husband, who had wisely gone to bed early, cracked jokes with his classic dad humor. We were both trying to keep the mood light, but deep down, we knew this was a significant transition. Nick was our last child at home, and the reality was hitting hard.
Son:
After passing through security and boarding the plane, I focused on both my dad’s quiet smile and my mom’s lively chatter. I realized silence can convey as much emotion as words. I sensed my parents’ struggle to say goodbye to their youngest son. I felt it as we landed, moved my belongings into the dorm, and again during our final farewell in the parking lot.
Mom:
After all the packing, organizing, and introductions to my son’s roommate and their family, it was finally time for my husband and me to leave. I was somewhat accustomed to this process, having settled my older child into college dorms before. But this time was different. With no family nearby to support him, I prepared for the unthinkable: walking away…or rather, flying away. How could I leave this boy who had filled my life with joy? I handed him a lucky coin I had gotten for the occasion, asking him to keep it close for when times got tough. Our eyes met, and I noticed a glimmer in his—was it a tear? When he pulled me in for a hug, I embraced him tightly, then his father joined us for a group hug. I told him I loved him and believed in him. I hoped he heard me, though I wasn’t entirely sure.
Son:
Only then did I truly feel the weight of the goodbye. I hadn’t expected it to be difficult since I was excited about starting school. But as I reflected, I realized that it was hard to part with my dog, my room, and my friends. And then, just like that, my parents were gone. Or were they? Maybe it was me who had left everything behind. Guilt washed over me as I turned my back, my feet moving toward campus, and heard their car pull away.
Mom:
As we drove away, I took one last look at him walking toward campus. It was a bittersweet moment, marking the transition from boyhood to manhood. I hope he knows he carries a lifetime of love with him, forever and always.
Son:
Eventually, I understood that the reason the goodbye felt easy at first was that nothing is truly lost. My parents, my dog, my room, and my friends are always in my thoughts and heart. If I felt this way, I knew they did too. The goodbye became less daunting, and I no longer questioned why it had initially felt so easy.
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In summary, the journey of saying goodbye to a child heading off to college is filled with mixed emotions. Both the parent and child experience a range of feelings—from excitement to nostalgia—while realizing that love and memories endure despite the distance.
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