We are home and I am a bit overwhelmed. The Ohio State University is a big, beautiful school. It was a toasty 94 degrees there when we were visiting. But the skies were sunny and the people lovely.
All the freshman swimmers will be living here together in very teeny, tiny, dorm rooms. A far cry from having your own room and sharing your bathroom with your brother.
Everyday Mr. 18 year old will walk by this beautiful scene, Mirror Lake on his way to practice and classes.
Isn't it gorgeous? I bet it is amazing during the Fall foliage season.
This is the Aquatic Center where you will be able to find my son from 6-8 AM and 1:45- 5 PM daily. When do they fit classes in? Well that is the tricky part, they manage with the help of some pretty amazing academic advisers.
Some of the buildings were quite incredible, very stately, old university feeling about them. Some are those garish newer building that have no character at all.
The main thing is that Mr. 18 year old is feeling like this is the place he wants to be. He fit in nicely and feels comfortable. Now his Mother, well that is another story. I only had to control myself once because I thought I was going to cry. I am just trying to be excited for him, and not let my Mom feelings overwhelm me. But that is a tough one isn't it? I know many of you have been through this already. I will be leaning on you in the next two months that is for sure.
25 comments:
I just came over here from IrishEyes so I don't know where you live, but cell phones are amazing giving us the ability to stay connected to our kids who have moved away. I hope Mr. 18 does fabulously, and Mom you will too. Hang in there. g
GO ahead cry, honey! Holding it in isn't good. He knows you are both excited for him and sad to see him go.
LOOKS like an amazing schedule and great way to start college life.
HOw far (many miles) is he going to be away from You?
What an amazing place. I bet his eyes lit up when he saw the pool! That is really a gruelling schedule. What will his major be. I know that he has to take general classes first of course. But does he know what he wants to do yet. My nephew changed his major a couple of times. But he ended up with a bachelors. Life is going to be so exciting for him! Just think how much more exciting it will be when he makes his visits home. Cry if you must, but know that mixed tears of sadness and happiness are too be expected. Hugs my friend.
I was at OSU last week too! But I was visiting a friend at OSU hospital. Yes, it is beautiful on campus in the fall as well as all around central Ohio! I know your son will do well there and you will survive his leaving the nest. I always try to remember( when I get that feeling) that it is our job as parents to love and support our children and give them wings. Hugs, Patti
Beautiful campus. Looks like you had great weather. Stunning pool too.
I know how you feel. I had a hard time at orientation, which was a month before she actually left than I did on the move in day. I think it caught me by surprise, but of course, it flew by and she graduated last year!
What a beautiful school and grounds! I'm sure it will help knowing he is with his fellow swimmers. Hang in there, it's all a part of the circle of life. I'm here for you. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
I hope you guys have Skype capabilities. It's a life saver - there's just something wonderful about being able to see the other person...makes it not so hard to be apart! Hugs, Annette
Lean as much as you like. I've been through two "move-outs". Stephen went away to college, came home for five years and then moved out to his own apartment a year and a half ago.
Yep ... there are some teary moments, but also some very happy ones that your kids are moving up in life. Good luck to your son at OSU. Hope he has a wonderful time.
I'm sure it will be an adjustment for both of you, but it sounds like he is content with his new station in life! The pictures are beautiful- who wouldn't want to live there?!
Oh I would be balling my eyes out!!! I have to wait a few more years before Lauren goes away for college, thank goodness, but I know the day will come and it will not be a easy one. The place he is at is just beautiful and sure he will do well. Thank goodness for cell phones and internet!!! Shari :)
Oh Meredith, I can feel the excitement in your post! The campus is really pretty and that pool is amazing. I hope he does very well with the whole experience. And you will too. I used to wonder why my mother always wore sunglasses when she' drop me off at school or I'd leave to go back. I finally figured it out ;-)
What a fabulous looking university! I can't imagine sending off a child to uni! I would have cried -for sure!
what a beautiful looking place to study and swim. sending you lots of hugs
xxx
what a beautiful looking place to study and swim. sending you lots of hugs
xxx
After a couple months that "crying" thing will ease and it will get easier. I think it is worse when the last child leaves, then it really hits you and the "empty nest" takes over. But keeping busy is key and planning for their home comings during holidays and summer is always fun and something to look forward to. In this day of cell phones no one is really that far away. When the day comes when he is eating his own cooking and doing his own laundry he will be the one crying, lol. This too shall pass.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)
It looks like a beautiful campus! How far will it be from home? I know how hard it is, but it does get easier. You will miss him, but you will also enjoy the new way it is at home, and then things just sort of fall into place.
You keep busy, and soon the holidays are here, and you will have gotten the first year underneath your belts...his and yours!!
Hugs,
Kris
They sail off to adventure across life's oceans Mere, but wherever you are will always be home port. Hugs x
The campus is beautiful! Did he pick OSU because of the swimming facilities? Or did they pick him because of his swimming abilities? :) Imagine how all the mom's here feel who send their kids off to college in the States. We are 8,000 miles away. I don't really know what I'm going to do next year. And at this very moment, Yusef has no idea what he wants to do. One day at a time! I like the quote that goes something like: We give our children wings so they can find their own way and we give them roots to find their way home." Wishing you a wonderful day. Tammy
Hi Sweet Meredith, I feel your heart going in all directions. Time is what makes it right again, and seeing that your son is happy, will make you happy. Then you will start being able to do some things you may have wanted to do but never had the time....or maybe just being for awhile. But you will be OK!
Love the University, it is truly beautiful.
Getting caught up with blogs and I love that beautiful Cardi Shrug. I may have to take a look at that pattern!
xoRobin❤
Meredith- what a lovely post-- your son is going to enjoy that lovely campus. It's been 10 years-- but I still remember the day I took my son to college- just like it was yesterday. After I left him there-- I made it a whole 2 blocks before I pulled into a Taco Bell parking lot and cried my eyes out-- after that- I was fine.
We raise our children to grow up and go out on their own-- I know you are proud!
Love
Vicki
That University looks amazing. I'm sure your son will love it. I missed my girls when they went, but time flies and before you know it they are back home! xx
Meredith, I'm so glad you had a good trip and have come home with strong visual memories to help you imagine his life apart from you. Those kind of visual memories along with phone/text/email/skype or rare snail mail notes :) help me feel closer to those I love who are far away.
There are so many sweet-sorrow partings in the seasons of our lives, aren't there :) :( ?
Gracie <3
I don't know how I missed this post, I would've cyber-hugged you right away. Oh, it's hard when they leave, no sugar-coating it. There was such a terrible emptiness when my daughter went away to school--I expected to worry about her, but I did not expect the grief that came with driving away and leaving her there, and the echoing emptiness in her room. Awful. But they come home for Thanksgiving, and they bring all their noise and friends and laundry and laughter with them, and the best part is that they are happy to see you! Sending hugs. :)
Hi Meredith,
Glad to see you are doing well. I am so excited for your son. Going off to college is the most exciting time in his life so far. And to be going to such a great institution like The Ohio State University makes it even better. You must be so proud of him, he is going to flourish!I also love the yarn store birthday celebration. I may need to make the drive up there next year.
xoxo Susan
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