Not the Drop Off
I have felt like the sea creatures in Nemo all summer, dreading the drop-off. Of course I was excited for our youngest to go off on his adventure, but it is a big production. A week before the move-in weekend, I visted my baby brother with my sister and mother. Our niece Jane greeted us with “the imposter” in tow. We had been given the advice as new parents to duolicate Mason’s favorite blanket, just in case he lost the original. His brother named the blankie “the imposter,” and Mason never grew an attachment to it. Blankie was left poolside, on the car roof, and had two near-death experiences from a candle, but he remained Mason’s steady companion. The Imposter sat in the wings, the understudy who never got his big break,
We passed along many items to my sister’s girls, who have passed them along to my brother’s babies. To see little Jane cluthing the Imposter brought tears to my eyes and a burst of joy to my heart. Finally the Imposter found his friend.
While I have sent Tyler off to college three years ago, this process was not the same. As I love to do, I created a list to pass along.
Be prepared for the waves. One minute I was fighting back tears over the memories of Mason’s sticky hand clutching his blankie, the next I was yelling over the dorm application that was not completed.
Your spouse may not grieve the same way. While I was in tears when Tyler couldn’t join us for the last supper, Todd was trying to fit a desk lamp into his carryon, not satified with the one I had ordered from Target.
We live in a world of instant delivery. Do not sweat the lists. We forgot to order Mason a pillow which is an important piece of his dorm bed. That was a easy problem to solve.
Friends are very important, especially ones who have been through the process before. Not only do they remind you of the important items, they catch you when you are overwhelmed with the logistics,
As Pookie taught us, keep a tissue in your pocket, Shutterfly and Facebook will trigger tears with their memory messages.
You will send care packages as they forget items the first few weeks. I keep packing tape and scisssors in my car.
A good blanket is great addition for both the dorm room and your nest. Our sons have weighed blankets on their beds, and I like ti snuggle under one knit by Gramma Phyllis. I learned to power nap in college and I am encouraging Mason to try it out as he learns to balance a new schedule. Even if you grab a beach towel, channeling your inner Linus can be soothing.
Finally, focus on the bursts. My dishwasher, washing machine, and grocery bags are all resting after making it through the drop off. #joyburst
