I thought it might be easier the second time around. But just as each child is different, the experience of seeing a second son off to university was different. Different, not easier.
This week has been a whirlwind. The boys came back from their summer camp jobs on Wednesday brown and exhausted from a summer of sun. The washing machine has been on continuously since then trying to get laundry clean. Son number one headed back to school on Friday – it’s become quite routine, unlike the first time three years ago, and he is anxious now to get back to his university friends. With a quick wave and a smile, he was off.
That gave us two days to get ready for son number two’s departure. Sunday morning, we headed down the highway with thousands of other parents. This drive was shorter. Less time to fit in all the last minute words of wisdom that every Mum feels she needs to impart.
He has a much better dorm setup than his brother did. Each unit in a dorm on the side of a river houses six young adults and they share a full kitchen, little living room and a couple of bathrooms. Significant upgrade from a tiny room shared with two and communal bathrooms and common room for the whole floor!
Unlike with his big brother, I was allowed to help set up the room a bit – at least to get the bed made and the plates and glasses put away! Together we hit the book store and met a room mate or two. Maybe that was in exchange for making sure the kitchen was stocked with some nutritious food before leaving.
I thought I was ready for the drive home – after all, I’ve done this before, and my daughter had joined me for the sendoff. Still, I was surprised by the wave of emotion that overcame me as I pulled the car onto the highway, signifying the solo return trip home had begun. My middle child is more than ready to take on this adventure. He’s mature, responsible, caring, fun-loving and always the centre of oodles of friends. It’s time to let him spread his wings and soar.
