Dorm Life
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Just me on Thursday, August 26, 2010 9:18 PM
Today was the official move in day for Eric, his first “real” day of college life following five days of pre-orientation. First thing this morning we met Eric’s new roommate, Nathan, and his amazing family. The rest of the day was spent setting up their room, making numerous trips to the CVS for forgotten supplies (thank goodness it’s a close walk!), meeting new friends and doing other “set up” types of activities - including the first load of collegiate laundry. One of my favorite new photos shows our Eric with another of the “Erics” in his dorm - they met in the laundry room and worked out the mysteries of the ancient washing machines together.
Eric and Nathan managed to find the oldest, cheapest, and likely grungiest used couch at the Habitat for Humanity yard sale - but to them it’s their first piece of furniture and a real treasure. I smiled to myself when Nathan’s mom busted out the “Fabreeze” and tried not to think about the places that couch has been or the stories it could likely tell!
This afternoon, we joined the other parents and freshmen for a greeting from the Dean of Freshmen, the Dean of the College and a Psychiatrist, who is also coincidentally a mom of college aged sons. While I found the academics’ speeches to be very motivational, I thought it was perfect that they’d brought in a medical mom to counsel me with exactly the words I needed to hear to complete this time with Eric.
Tonight we dined together in the “Harry Potter-esque” dining hall with our new friends—the roommate and his family—and marveled at how much dining hall food has improved since our college days.
Tomorrow morning, we’ll head over for one last hug and then catch our plane home. I honestly can’t think about that moment right now, so I’ll simply dwell on the happy feelings we shared today. Watching Eric interact with the faculty and other students, seeing him fold and put away his laundry, set his desk and watching the day-long smile on his face leaves me with a sense of peace that he’ll be safe and sound.
My prayers for all of you who are experiencing this phase with the special young men and women in your life continue - I hope you are experiencing your own special “firsts” and that the smiles outweigh the tears.
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