<p>We just got the news: my son landed a research position for this summer at Harvard-- at their Med School's Dana Farber Cancer Inst. They haven't taken an undergrad for 10 years, and he got this completely on his own. So, of course, we're proud and it's a great opportunity.</p>
<p>But, then it sank in---he'll be away for the entire summer. Somehow, even tho we knew he was looking for something up there, I guess it didn't fully register---my d. didn't stay away until after sophomore year. So, another milestone to process in this letting go saga. How come good things always come with a down side?</p>
<p>Congratulations on this honor and :( that he's not coming home ALREADY!! I know I would be really sad if my D found an internship away from home; que sara, what will be will be.</p>
<p>What a great opportunity! You must be so proud of him---hopefully that parental pride will help to offset your sadness in missing him this summer. Sounds like time for a roadtrip this summer!</p>
<p>Our DD did the similar her first summer - she got a job at a place she absolutely LOVES - and of course - we were grappling with the empty nest situation and the angst of her not coming home. But........... a road trip to where she was really helped ALOT - it gave us a good sense of the 'new' her and how happy she really was - and help us to accept the change from child to almost adult that she has been working towards. I know it is still hard tho.</p>
<p>Congrats to your son tho for achieving such a wonderful outcome - at a fantastic facility!! He will for sure - learn ALOT.</p>
<p>Thanks, and yes, we will definitely head up there as part of our summer plans. And since my sister lives in Boston, that's always a nice destination for us. So, of course it will be fine, and great for him (the head of the lab is having him already start attending meetings now, and even referenced future opportunities during the school year, to do a thesis, etc.) So, I just need to get into a different head about the summer, realizing that we will remain on a visitor's status--but he will come home on some weekends too, I'm pretty sure, to see whichever friends will be around. These developments all make complete sense--they just arrived a little sooner than I originally imagined.</p>
<p>It must be hard for you to have the treadmill go so quickly. I'm so glad it's running smoothly though. It's a fantastic opportunity that he must have worked very hard for, but I can imagine how difficult it is to have the loss of his presence this summer. Jeepmom has some excellent words of comfort and advice, once you see him in his new element you'll feel a lot better. Congrats on his position!</p>
<p>Yep, that's the way it goes. D is staying in that area too, with Harvard Ed. Publishing Group. Fortunately (for me) she will be home for a month.</p>