This meme spotted on Facebook is a poignant reminder of those days 20+ years ago when we moved our son (at The Citadel) and our daughter (at Birmingham-Southern College) into their dorm rooms to start college. I didn’t cry when we left Billy in Charleston. I was grateful for the military structure that I hoped would change things, that he would grow up. I did, however, cry all the way home when we left Charlotte Anne, somehow sensing that things would never be the same again. Perhaps it was more a matter of sensing things deep within myself that reflected how college changed me and my view of my childhood years and life itself forever.
“Attention Freshmen who are moving in tomorrow: A little request….When your mom wants to unpack all of your clothes and make your bed – Let her. When your dad wants to introduce himself to all the people on your floor – Let him. When they want to take pictures of every move you make this weekend – Let them. If they embarrass you or act crazy – Let them. As you start the new chapter of your life, they are also starting the new chapter of theirs. And believe it or not, this is probably more difficult for them than it is for you. So let them treat you like their “baby” one last time.” From a KICKS 99 Facebook meme.