- The tousled hair he sported that morning, still fresh from sleep.
- How seamlessly all his belongings fit into the car.
- The festive balloons welcoming students at campus entry.
- The enthusiastic volunteers helping with move-in day.
- A cloud that resembled the whale from his childhood blanket.
- How youthful he appears.
- How remarkably mature he seems.
- The prideful look on my husband’s face, convinced our son is ready for this next step.
- Saying farewell next to a dumpster, of all places.
- The way he strolls away, seemingly unaware that we won’t see each other for a while.
- Climbing back into the car without him feels surreal.
- How is our house still intact?
- The moment I realize he “forgot” the box of homemade treats I spent hours preparing.
- That look of excitement on his face as he heads off.
- The air feels both weighty and hollow without him.
- Going to bed without hearing his voice.
- Waking up to an emptier home.
- His bedroom door looming, almost challenging me to peek inside.
- Giving in to that urge and standing in his room, letting out a heartfelt sigh.
- The 47th stranger at the grocery store catching me crying by the soda aisle, offering empty reassurances.
- His car, just parked, serves as a constant reminder of his absence.
- Well-meaning friends suggesting ideas for decorating his room, like a cozy reading nook.
- Wondering how to fill my day now that I’m not constantly running errands.
- My husband’s joy at the prospect of reduced water bills without our son’s showers.
- Stumbling over my words at the drive-thru, ordering just four burgers instead of the usual six.
- Gazing at the tiniest laundry pile ever, wishing for the days of overflowing hampers.
- How incredibly happy he looks in all those pictures—it’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
This piece reflects the bittersweet emotions of sending a child off to college, capturing the joy, pride, and sadness that come with this significant life transition. For more insights on parenting during these changes, check out our other blog posts at Home Insemination Kit.
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In summary, this list captures the emotional rollercoaster of dropping off a child at college, filled with tender memories, unexpected realizations, and the inevitable adjustments that come as life evolves.