@Albertjones1 hugs!!! My advice is to have him FaceTime or Skype you in the next few days. We had a hard time last year, too (as does everyone, I’m sure), but what helped was to finally see his face and interact…within a few days, he had his posters up on his wall, room situated, and had already formed bonds with teammates and had stories to tell. Seeing his expressions and surroundings made all the difference!
Warning…my drop-off is Tuesday…I’ll definitely be in need of hugs then! I’m hoping I also have some humorous stories, though, too! Now, where are my board shorts…
Sending virtual hugs to all of you who are still preparing for drop-off this week. Thanks @buuzn03 for giving us so much support and laughter over the past 16 months :x
The night before, the dorm head emailed me to give me feedback on the parent survey we had sumbitted oh-so-many months ago after acceptance. I was touched that she wanted to connect right then - totally unnecessary with Registration happening the next day!
Then, at Registration, so many folks already knew her, lit up when she walked over to sign off at their department table. Very reassuring.
Finally, walking across the campus, we heard our daughter’s name being called. At first I thought it was a student. Nope! Her advisor, who we’ve never met, was able to recognize her across a lawn and through trees!
It makes a parent feel better to know that’s the standard for the staff/student relationship model.
My funny moments:
The lovely mother in a satin sheath dress. Sorry - can’t recall if she had pearls.
The mom carrying a 20 lb. tote - going up a hill - in 4" heels. Surely they visited the campus? Or saw a picture?
The cute puppy that drew every single girl to come say hi to the cute boy carrying it.
Last memory of the day:
After good-byes, they had one more event for parents, while the kids got started on their team-building activities. After we left the parent event, we had to walk past our D’s dorm to get back to our car. As we got closer, we heard continuous peals of contagious laughter. We peeked around the corner - the girls were having a BLAST. And I was very happy to see 2 girls in particular were smiling and having a great time. An hour earlier, each had been a puddle saying goodbye to their parents.
Thanks for sharing @OnToTheNext - particular relish the vision of the mom in the satin sheath dress and the other mom in heels carrying the bag up the hill! I am praying that they serve adult beverages at the parent event after drop-off! DH and I are making a bet as to how long after drop-off we hear from the Development office…DH says probably a matter of minutes, if not immediately upon registration.
@Golfgr8: There will no doubt be Development staff present during the drop -off/registration days, but they tend to not directly approach any families before Parents Weekend, when the annual fund activity starts ramping up. The opening days are usually very student-centered, though you will likely be asked by current parents about joining the Parents Association, or whatever they might call it. Of course, if you are a celebrity or a potential donor of a new building, you may find yourself receiving some VIP attention from development staff and administrators. (Full disclosure: I’m a former development staff member of a well-funded NE prep school!)
Drop off update - for some reason I have a hunch that it happens more than you think… my friend just sent me a photo she took of the room next door to her DD’s…totally outfitted in Z-Galleries furniture - mirrored nightstand, leather headboard, furry rug and the whole glitz. @Cameo43 - I will report any celebrity sightings!
OK - guys - see you on the other side of this thing…my GolfKiddo told me today that she feels like she just finished the “front 9” of school and now heading out to start on # 10…I am already ready for the “19th hole”! 8-|
@Golfgr8 — yikes! DS is excited to have an actual nightstand that he built in Woodworking last year rather than the overturned plastic bin that we had used for packing! And most of his stuff is packed this year in plastic bags (much of that because it’s food). Good luck to your DD and with your drop-off!
@Altras as you can imagine, I love your avatar…and as far as the exchange of the shirt for the child, I feel your pain- we deserve the entire bookstore and then some! Hugs…
I will be dropping DD to our airport tomorrow morning. She is flying to Denver to have a college interview, stay at her friend’s dorm room, and fly to her school following morning, with two large check in bags, a carry on duffel bag, and a backpack.
Things overheard in the dorm while unpacking boxes stored over the summer: “OMG! Here it is! All summer I had this one sock and was wondering where the other one was!!”
A lesson learned by a kid who shall remain unnamed: When you pack your mug without washing the milk residue from it, 3 months later you get from summer storage an entire box that smells like Limburger.
Already been to the post office to ship a pair of shorts, couple ties, and weight gloves.
The ties and gloves were in the pocket of the suitcase which I brought back home with me.
My son took a flight to school on the 1st. He stored his stuff there over the summer. The house is so quiet. Sigh. Just me and the dogs now. The only reason my heart doesn’t break into a million pieces is because he is so happy. His excitement is contagious.
I am writing this from Boston Logan. I left DS last night just prior to a harrowing drive to the airport. I’m not sure if it was the incredulity of the road chaos, the reflection of meeting up with not one but two amazing CC families, or my senility at play again but I survived without shedding a tear (yet).
Of course, it could’ve also been the impromptu discussion with his coach/advisor about completely changing his schedule/course of study at the last minute. (This bomb was dropped while at dinner the night before with one said family, in passing, as if he were changing socks).
Or it could be that as we were unpacking his stuff that had been in storage all summer, I found Southwest Airlines napkins (@golfgr8 in addition to the limited edition tootsie roll wrappers), and asked ‘what in the world?’ Only to be told ‘they are cool napkins—they have neat sayings on one side and look, tic-tac-toe on the other!’ Insert eye roll here.
But as @PossiblePrepMom stated, I think it was the fact that I was once again able to see how much he thrives at school. It is where he’s supposed to be. The people there are amazing and truly a family away from home.
I may still break down at some point…and I almost did many times while I was there…but as sad as I am for DH, DD and myself, I am even happier for DS.
Good luck to the rest of my CC crew who struggle with having to let go. It’s not easy.
@buuzn03 Jetblue has cute lines on napkins as well. - No good flights go unrewarded. and … I already forget.
Now that kiddos are safely in school, it is time to make travel arrangements: Fall family weekend, Thanksgiving flight home, Winterbreak and Spring break trips.
All done. :))
Boarding school is said to be a planner’s paradise.
I booked two rooms near school for graduation weekend.
