I should have started this blog in August of 2009, but life has been really crazy. In August of 2009 my one and only child flew the coop for the first time. I guess that's why I chose to call this "A View From An Empty Nest".
Paul and I took Suzannah to Univ. of South Florida in August of 2009 not knowing what to expect. Paul and I did not attend college, so we were really in uncharted territory, much less taking our one and only to live 6 hours from home. To say it was traumatic is an understatement. We drove down on Tuesday of that week and starting moving things in that night. The next day was a whirlwind of activity. She was going to be dorming with her friend from high school, LindseyMorrow. I have to say that it was some consolation that the two of them would be together since they had known each other since they were 10 years old and playing soccer together and then went through high school together as well.
After two days of trips up and down in the elevator, hanging things, unpacking things and also quite a few trips to Target, we serioulsy dropped some cash there (us and Lindsey's parents too)
their room was ready and we felt okay about them having what they needed.
The first night that she slept there and Paul and I went to the hotel, I was so exhausted that it didn't bother me too much, of course I was still just down the road at the Courtyard. The very first day that they spent exploring campus and riding the "Bull Runner" they got on the wrong bus (a City bus, not a school transist bus) and ended up somewhere off campus. Lucky enough they called a friend and he came and rescued them. So needless to say I was thinking, how can I leave her in Tampa and go 6 hours home.
Well the time came the next day that Paul & I had to say good-bye, I kept it together until the very last moment when I knew that I this was the last time that I would get to her hug for at least several weeks. The minute she wrapped her arms around me I saw my little girl and the tears began to flow. Paul had to just about pry me away from her and I watched her through the tears until we turned the corner and I couldn't see her anymore. I can only say as I have many times, that it felt as if someone had reached into my chest and pulled out my heart as we drove off campus that day. It really didn't get any better after that. I cried from Tampa to Ocala, I would just about get myself together and then it would start all over again. I know Paul had to be wondering if it would be like this for the days and months to come.
I texted and talked to her everyday and just couldn't rest until I knew that she was in her dorm room for the night safe and sound. I would talk to her and then end up crying as soon as we hung up. Eventually things got better and I was able to realize that she was right where she needed to be. I kept telling myself that I was going to see her Labor Day weekend and I was counting the days.
I can't begin to say how much Skype has become a part of my life. If it weren't for that I can't imagine that I would have made many trips to Tampa, of course the first semester I did make my share. That's the next blog in this Empty Nest story.
Paul and I took Suzannah to Univ. of South Florida in August of 2009 not knowing what to expect. Paul and I did not attend college, so we were really in uncharted territory, much less taking our one and only to live 6 hours from home. To say it was traumatic is an understatement. We drove down on Tuesday of that week and starting moving things in that night. The next day was a whirlwind of activity. She was going to be dorming with her friend from high school, LindseyMorrow. I have to say that it was some consolation that the two of them would be together since they had known each other since they were 10 years old and playing soccer together and then went through high school together as well.
After two days of trips up and down in the elevator, hanging things, unpacking things and also quite a few trips to Target, we serioulsy dropped some cash there (us and Lindsey's parents too)
their room was ready and we felt okay about them having what they needed.
The first night that she slept there and Paul and I went to the hotel, I was so exhausted that it didn't bother me too much, of course I was still just down the road at the Courtyard. The very first day that they spent exploring campus and riding the "Bull Runner" they got on the wrong bus (a City bus, not a school transist bus) and ended up somewhere off campus. Lucky enough they called a friend and he came and rescued them. So needless to say I was thinking, how can I leave her in Tampa and go 6 hours home.
Well the time came the next day that Paul & I had to say good-bye, I kept it together until the very last moment when I knew that I this was the last time that I would get to her hug for at least several weeks. The minute she wrapped her arms around me I saw my little girl and the tears began to flow. Paul had to just about pry me away from her and I watched her through the tears until we turned the corner and I couldn't see her anymore. I can only say as I have many times, that it felt as if someone had reached into my chest and pulled out my heart as we drove off campus that day. It really didn't get any better after that. I cried from Tampa to Ocala, I would just about get myself together and then it would start all over again. I know Paul had to be wondering if it would be like this for the days and months to come.
I texted and talked to her everyday and just couldn't rest until I knew that she was in her dorm room for the night safe and sound. I would talk to her and then end up crying as soon as we hung up. Eventually things got better and I was able to realize that she was right where she needed to be. I kept telling myself that I was going to see her Labor Day weekend and I was counting the days.
I can't begin to say how much Skype has become a part of my life. If it weren't for that I can't imagine that I would have made many trips to Tampa, of course the first semester I did make my share. That's the next blog in this Empty Nest story.
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