Impossible to communicate the depth of thoughts and feelings surrounding sending your firstborn off to college.
Obviously you wonder where the time went, if he's prepared, if you're prepared, where the rest of the money will come from, will he be happy, find good friends, make the right choices, and get to do what he wants with his life.
But it also brings reflection about family and the realization that the true parenting test is about to begin. So far it's all been dress rehearsal.
Steve and I have not amassed great wealth, or even a decent savings. We haven't been able to give our kids everything, but we have given them a lot of things. We don't have a big fancy house. We both have great jobs and are thankful for them, but they do not define us. If we could start over and take different career paths, we both would. We have made right turns and wrong turns at critical junctures of our 26 years together.
But here's what we do know. We have 2 awesome kids. Not perfect, but awesome. We have poured our life and energy into them every day of their lives. We did not leave their spiritual, emotional or social guidance in anyone else's hands. Often we have done things differently than many parents we know. Both kids found salvation through Jesus Christ, in part because of some incredible saints who taught them when they were very young. They have always been blessed with terrific mentors and encouragers. They are tough-minded, tender-hearted and think for themselves. They have many close friends and a loving (though small) extended family. With deep thanksgiving for God's provision for us, they have attended private schools since they were 3 years old. One goes on now to what we know to be a wonderful private university. We have a close-knit family, and I'd rather be with them at any given moment than be anywhere else.
I'm more thankful for that reality than I can describe. These are the good times!
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