It fits. She’s happy. I’m….?
Not gonna lie – it’s hard.
This… all of it…
I know she’s going to enjoy university, I know it’s time, I know she’s totally ready and excited and looking forward to all that moving to Nova Scotia and attending Dalhousie will bring, but…
It’s hard.
My friend Joanne is also going through the same thing, she was excited, she said, until she was at the supermarket, loading her basket with her daughter’s faves, and then realized she would not be there to enjoy them (Joanne’s daughter is going to King’s also in Halifax).
My other friends, Kim and Jane, have lived through this with their sons leaving for university last year (Bishops and McMaster), and their daughters following this year (Guelph and Waterloo) and have helped prepare me for the feelings I’d have. They told me that it wasn’t the end, it wasn’t “my kid moving out” but rather, “my kid living elsewhere for a time”. That made it an eventuality easier to accept. Knowing that Alex would come back.
Although we’re only leaving on Thursday, we packed the car today, to ensure we had enough room in my SUV and wouldn’t need to rent something.
It all fit.
Gulp…
nodding & smiling 
August 25, 2014 at 11:22 pm
ok that made me cry….just a bit….
August 26, 2014 at 2:18 am
I waver between that and full-blown hysteria 😉
August 26, 2014 at 2:01 am
Ah honey. It is a big day indeed and not an easy one. We went through this with Nicholas last year, but at least he was only going as far as London. He still came home to do laundry 🙂 But, no, it’s not moving out. Believe me. She’ll be back. And you’ll Skype, right? Big hugs momma!!
August 26, 2014 at 2:17 am
Yep, she’ll be back – not for summers because hers is a 4 year co-op program, but hopefully her work terms will be in the vicinity! Glad I have an ally who’s lived through first year!
August 26, 2014 at 2:14 am
Oof. I can’t imagine this feeling, but I’m sending you lots of hugs. She’s going to have such an amazing time.
August 26, 2014 at 2:16 am
Thanks Alex. I know she will! That’s the only thing that keeps me smiling 🙂
August 26, 2014 at 3:09 am
More Phone calls, Skype, FaceTime, texts. That’s what it’ll be I bet and then things will settle, holiday trips will be planned and she’s back home. You’ll see her beautiful face and hear all that she has to tell … It’s a whole new chapter to look forward to. I can’t even imagine as my girls are just 16 months! Sending you a big hug. From one mother to another 😉
I’ll be asking you for tips and advice in 18 years. Xo
August 26, 2014 at 3:25 am
You’re right. I’ll cherish it all. It’s a whole new chapter and a new normal to get used to, that’s all. You rock, Erica. I hope you do come calling in 18 years 🙂
August 26, 2014 at 11:11 am
I can’t even imagine how you feel because I got a little bit heart sick just thinking about mine leaving for university.
August 26, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Seriously, you are one kick ass mama. You are raising amazing young women. Which…. makes it even harder to let go. Saying “goodbye” to your child (for a bit) is one thing, but saying goodbye to your child who also happens to be your friend? Lordy. That’s tough. This fall is going to require several guacamole and con queso lunches. I’m so there for ya man. xo
August 26, 2014 at 12:23 pm
Too many feels in this post! That’s such a great pic! Good luck to both of you!