Inconsolable

That is what I'll be one week from now (or one week and two days) when son #2 leaves. I'm beginning to think I'm a helicopter parent. We received a mailing from the University which offers a two hour online course on college students and alcohol. Studies show that parents who talk to their kids about drinking are more prepared and less likely to get in trouble. Well, I'm certainly not going to take a two hour online course, but I will talk to him about that and many other things.

Keep up with your reading, don't fall behind, manage your time, wash your laundry regularly, don't lend anything to anyone, join a club, be yourself. I feel like a broken record, so I end up saying nothing. How will I make sure I say everything? Should I make a list? Should I make his favorite foods this week? Should I help him wash him clothes, or let him go off to college with dirty clothes?

I almost broke down in tears when I was talking to a co-worker this week, who also has a child going off to college. It hasn't really sunk in yet -- what it will really be like. Will I be lonely? Will I be happy? I feel like I'm in limbo, things aren't packed yet.......I'm frustrated, I'm anxious, I'm so agitated I want to punch someone, anyone.....someone I hate, but no one magically appears so I can punch them in the gut. Punch my anxiety away.

I'm excited for him, and me. In the blink of an eye, son #1 will be in his senior year, where does the time go? I smile and think its only the beginning. Beginning of what, who knows.