At the start of this blog post (it usually takes me at least 2 days to write, add photos, proof, and publish — because. life.) it’s been 4 days since I last saw my boy.
But, who’s counting?!
I’m sure he’s probably not. However, I. Am.
The day I’ve dreaded since his birth came and went this past Monday. 🙁
It’s just so hard to accept, as his parent, that at 18 years old he is now old enough and mature enough and ready enough for big-boy life/school! Alas, he is, I guess.
To be honest, I wasn’t going to write a blog about him going away to college because it’s just hard. It’s a tough transition for Mom and child, and probably Dad, too. And, I wasn’t sure what all I could say about it other than – it’s hard. But, then I decided I would like to share some pics that we took and this is a good “place” to do that, especially for family since they’re all out of town. Side note: we’re hoping some day they will follow us to South Carolina!! 😉
This past Monday was a big day in the Dotson household! Caisey started her very first day as a teacher, she’s teaching 4th grade, Damian started his Senior year in high school and Addison (our baby!!!) started his freshman year in high school, and of course Bradley moved into his college dorm room. Sheesh!! Talk about feeling inadequate as a Momma…I didn’t feel like I was doing a great job at encouraging any one of them because I was trying to encourage all of them, if that makes sense? Anyway, I know I did the best I could so all is good. 🙂 Whose idea was it anyway to have all the schools in the entire region return on the same day?!?! I mean, really?! Somehow, we made it through though.
We all met up the night before at Charleston Crab Shack on the water for a yummy dinner and so Caisey could tell Bradley bye. I’m sure she gave him some big sister advice about college or something, also. Our food was delish and the company was even better. I “enjoyed” shrimp and grits…so, that is the second time I’ve ordered shrimp and grits as my meal and I’ve realized that I don’t love it. Sadly. I do, however, love to partake in a couple of bites of Joe’s shrimp and grits when he orders it. Ha! The first time I ordered it I thought I just didn’t care for the way that particular restaurant prepared it, but I now know after trying it twice at two different places, I just don’t love it. It’s a very rich dish and after 3 or 4 bites I feel like I need to eat a salad or a piece of broccoli. Anyway, all of that to say, we all gathered for a family meal and the company was better than the food, in my opinion. Everyone else loved their dinner so I know it was just me.
Monday morning, I got up, had my coffee >>because that’s the absolute most important thing there is to life<< showered, and started the day. First up, was to get the high schoolers out the door. So, after Damian high fived Bradley and Addison hugged him bye (which absolutely broke my heart because they are so close!!!) they walked out the door to begin a new year in high school.
After Joe and Bradley loaded up my car with all of his college belongings we headed out for the journey to the University of South Carolina. Off we went…
About 1.5 hours later we arrived! We drove around the block several times and finally decided to just pull up to the curb, unload his “stuff,” and while I waited with the things Bradley went to check in and Joe continued to drive around and look for a parking spot. Monday, the 20th, was move in day for all of USC so parking spots were hard to come by. Finally, we all met back up and loaded his things up 3 flights of stairs to his room! I had the privilege of making his bed, Joe helped organize his closet, and Bradley hooked up the TV and the Playstation (you know, the MOST important things!! 😉 ). We also met his new roommate and his parents. They are very nice people from Massachusetts!!
After all the unloading and the organizing of his room it was time to eat. We were hungry! So, we took a chance on a sushi place near campus and it was DELICIOUS!! We told Bradley we will be making visits back so we can have that sushi, again. And, of course to see him, too. 😉 We then went to Walmart. Even after making two seperate dorm room shopping trips there were still things he needed that we forgot about. And, we’ve done this before — we have a little experience under our belt, since Caisey went away to Murray. Oh well, our little trip to Walmart allowed for me to spend more time with Bradley before leaving Columbia.
Back to campus we went and unloaded everything, again. Gave him a quick tutorial in the laundry area 😉 , went to the bookstore to pick up his books, and then it was time to say our goodbyes. UGH!! So, we did. I dreaded that moment IMMENSELY, but knowing he was so excited about his new adventure definitely made it easier (not easy!) for me.
Joe and I had a quiet drive home. I cried and he comforted me. Again. This “leaving your kid at college thing” doesn’t get any easier!! It was nice this time around to kinda know what to expect, but it wasn’t easy!! They are still my babies and I don’t want to take them somewhere and just leave them! Period. But, at the same time, I want them to grow and learn and mature and become responsible citizens that have the ability to form their own opinions and do their own thing. All while putting God first, of course.
So, as I stated above, we left him just days ago. I miss him like crazy!! I worry about him incessantly. And, I text him periodically throughout the day. Joe and I have to remind ourselves he’s not here, often. The other day Joe pulled in the driveway and parked behind me to give Bradley room to park. Two days ago, I went to the grocery and spotted the dark chocolate, I instantly remembered Bradley taking my entire bag of dark chocolates to his room and eating them all! I was so frustrated with him, but now I’m thinking why did I jump on him?! I should’ve let him do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted to do it because now he’s living. 1.5. Hours. Away. ;(
Well, here we are, trying to get used to our new normal with just 2 boys at home. I must say, it’s quiet. And, we miss Bradley! And, we miss Caisey! But, we’re figuring it out and before long he’ll be home for winter break and I. Can’t. Wait! 🙂
Well I boohooed through the whole thing as I was reading!
Sorry to make you cry! lol