You’d think it would go perfectly. The night before, I had meticulously crafted every word in my mind. At 2:19 a.m., I envisioned exactly how the drop-off of our eldest daughter at college would unfold. I imagined standing before her like an encouraging mentor, arms outstretched, gently offering comfort as I leaned my head slightly to the side. I would pull her in close, smoothing her hair, her trusting gaze searching for reassurance in my eyes. With a serene smile, I would say, “My lovely girl, we are so proud of you. You’re going to excel this year. We love you dearly!”
Then we’d share a brief yet impactful hug, enough to make the moment unforgettable. I would whisper, “Goodbye, my daughter!” and walk away, resolute and composed, like a leader on a mission.
But Wednesday’s college drop-off turned out quite differently. As we approached the car, she knew it was time to say goodbye. I intended to envelop her in calm wisdom, but instead, what came out was a barrage of cautionary advice: Don’t forget to use single-ply toilet paper; double-ply can cause clogs. Remember to sleep—deprivation can lead to depression. Always smile back at people so you seem happy to be there. Never place your drinking cups mouth-down on the counter; there are germs everywhere. Wash your hands! I’ve seen what happens when you don’t.
She tried to step back to breathe while I clung to her like a life preserver. Did my flood of wisdom stop? Not even close. I continued my monologue, reminiscent of those frantic moments when we first left her with a babysitter all those years ago.
I gripped her shirt and launched into another lecture: Don’t lend money. Always look over your shoulder when walking alone at night. Eat your protein to keep your spirits up. Shower daily—it’s a miracle worker. And don’t forget to ask for a new shirt when you need one; I’ll happily send you some. Good posture and a neat haircut can make all the difference.
Then, suddenly, I was enveloping her in a hug, just as I had done when she was a tiny baby trying to escape her plastic tub. I couldn’t stop myself, my voice muffled against her. Keep an eye on labels to know what you’re consuming. In your plastic bin, there are vitamins—take them. Change your toothbrush when it gets worn. Stay hydrated, and keep a hat in your backpack; earmuffs just won’t do. And an umbrella is a must, especially with unpredictable Wisconsin weather. Remember to stretch every hour if you’re sitting for long periods. If you think you need the health clinic, don’t hesitate—just go!
The lump in my throat grew, but I pressed on. Purell is your friend. Wet socks are a nightmare. Make sure to bask in nature every day; scurvy is a real concern!
Through my frantic advice, my well-rehearsed farewell speech began to fade into the background. I knew the moment was slipping away, so I squared my shoulders and took a step back, ready to share my heartfelt wisdom. But my voice cracked, and tears streamed down my face. I lunged for my daughter, soaking her shirt with my tears, clinging to her one last time.
“Mom,” she asked, her voice filled with confusion. “Why are you crying?”
It was as if words could unravel everything. I buried my face in her shoulder, wishing she could understand that I needed her to take all of this advice to heart. I had cared for her entire life, and now it was her turn to ensure her own safety. I needed her to absorb this manual for self-care because I wouldn’t be there to oversee it anymore. She had to remember to come home each night—without earbuds in.
This wonderful girl, whom we adore and are incredibly proud of, is now embarking on her own journey. And if only there were a Google translator for my frantic advice, it would translate my rambling into, “Your mama loves you so much it leaves her speechless.”
If you’re navigating similar challenges, you can find helpful tips in this other blog post on Cervical Insemination. For those considering home insemination, check out Make a Mom for reputable at-home insemination kits. And if you’re looking for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Resolve.
In summary, dropping off a child at college can evoke a whirlwind of emotions and frantic advice that may not always come out as planned. The love and concern we have for them often manifest in unexpected ways, but at the end of the day, it’s all about wanting them to thrive on their own.
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