It is on the list of ten things I want to do before I die; this launching of successful, well balanced young adults. Let’s have a moment of applause and a family pat on the back all around as we pack the Subaru to the gills and head off to college. The first semester, tuition and fees, is in the bag; thanks to Andrea’s grade point average, abject need, and 2006 income tax refunds.
Andrea is beside herself with anticipation and also the melancholy of leaving “the band.” I am constantly torn between the euphoria of seeing her do exactly what I have dreamed and scrimped and saved for her to do and losing my daughter who has become my very dear friend and hiking companion over the past year. She is among the last of area college bound freshmen to leave. After a month’s hiatus from June graduation parties; August has seen round after round of long good-byes and going away parties.
The band that meets in my basement has had thoughtful conversations and meditations about breaking up. Rather than keep to a twice weekly practice schedule, they meet and rehearse every available day and feverishly write and arrange new songs. This year’s incoming high school juniors and seniors caught the bus or tried out a parking pass as local schools began yesterday. Philip acted as bus mentor to the neighbor boy who entered middle school (I remember him best as 4 years old). Last year’s seniors have peeled off at a rate of several per week toward Ft. Collins, Greeley, Boulder, Wyoming, and New Mexico. On Friday, Andrea will rise early and depart for Gunnison.
A couple of Sundays ago a male friend popped in to show his pictures from a graduation tour of England. “Let’s see your room, Andrea,” said he. “I wonder if it looks as bad as mine?” Microwaves, small refrigerators, Rubbermaid storage tubs, and boxes of essential supplies are stacked in towers in the domicile of every college bound 18 year old of my acquaintance. Said friend is now hitting the books in New Mexico and by this time next week Andrea’s room will be neat as a pin and ready to serve as guest room – whenever she can catch a ride home.
Bon Voyage, young adults, your independence and responsibility is just beginning!
