IT'S OFFICIAL! OFF TO COLLEGE!!!


John and I drove my oldest daughter to college on Friday! We got off to a rocky start when little sister had a meltdown saying bye to big sister. She got in the car and said - "ugh, it was going great until Andrea started! sniff, sniff," Judith and Alison had a quick hug and kiss and we were off! It was a pretty uneventful ride, as Judith slept for over an hour. She was very nervous, especially when it started pouring. We brought John's truck and the back was loaded with cardboard boxes. Electronics, etc. were in the back seat with Judith, so all was well. We registered - had to check in with health services and we passed right through. We arrived at the dorm in a downpour! Fortunately, there were upper classmen and women who unloaded for us - it was heaven. Judith's room mate is a very sweet girl - HUGE relief for Judith!! Her parents were lovely and the six of us got the room unpacked and set up. The men worked on computers, printers, and all of the electronic necessities...refrigerator...etc. We ran out for a late lunch and a quick stop at Staples - I forgot light bulbs and push pins- just a few little things like a usb adapter, etc. Our quick lunch and shopping trip were a highlight - very light, lots of laughs! The three of us together is always something special. Back at the dorm John finished up with software issues and it was time for the residence hall meeting. Judith breezed in for a quick hug and kiss and she was off!!! Sweet...I thought , NO TEARS ! :) We finished up and laughed as we were leaving the room - we'll never see this room look like this again! Both mothers agreed that they don't keep a very neat room!

We headed back to Maine and were happy, tired, and relieved - it had gone so well and Judith seemed anxious to get on with her college life - very exciting!! I did have one moment when I turned to John and said, "I can't believe I left her in Massachusetts!" He agreed and we both laughed and started talking about how much fun we had in college. She is going to have the time of her life!!

Back at home we are adjusting - it does seem very quiet with only two. Alison and Andrea are getting along (so far!) and Ali has taken over Judith's job at the local pizza joint. She seems to be taking it in stride and we are in close contact with Judith. A wonderful friend and very wise soul reminded me ..things are the same, just rearranged. We will all adjust and emerge as stonger people with a stronger family bond. It all sounds pretty simple and straight forward. Isn't it amazing how the mind runs and the imagination takes over when we are presented with a new and challenging event in our lives??!! We are looking forward to family weekend at the end of September. I like that - instead of parents weekend, which it seems all of the colleges follow, it is a family weekend. Judith is blessed to be attending a wonderful school and we are looking forward with great excitement to the next four years. I am sure it will fly by ! Listening to Moms that are sending their first off to school , I am taken aback at how fast it all goes by. It seems to me Judith was just going off to school at 5 years old and we have barely blinked and she is off to college. People always used to tell me to enjoy them while they were little - it all goes by so fast. How true that is! You have to instill good values and be strong and consistent. The time does fly by and we are blessed with the most amazing young adults ever imaginable. It's a hard job being a parent but the rewards are beyond anything I could have ever imagined. To see our children blossom is the ultimate. Stand your ground and stand up for your beliefs. I am so glad I was so determined about the vaccine waivers - as another good friend told me...blaze a trail and leave a wide path for other parents to follow.

I am thrilled with the beginning of "the college experience" ...stay tuned for more.