College bound freshman

My living room looks like a branch of Bed, Bath and Beyond, as my two college-bound freshman are preparing for “blast-off.” I’ve had lots of other moms ask me how I’m holding up, and truthfully, I think I’m okay with this. I distinctly remember getting teary-eyed at the prospect of college when my children were much younger. It was hard to imagine not being a part of their daily lives. Then, as they go off to kindergarten, you start to realize that they are developing a life separate and apart from you. They have friends and activities, which only increase as they move through school. Going on college visits over the past 18 months has been exciting, as I tried to picture Nick and Jenny at each school. I think what I have come to realize is that the point of parenthood is to raise young adults who are independent and ready to move on to the next exciting phase of their lives.

Although I miss their “baby” days, I enjoy the smart, funny, caring young adults that they have become. I can’t promise them that I won’t cry as we drop them off at school, but the tears will be a combination of sadness (for me), happiness (for them), and pride.

Have a safe and wonderful last month of summer. Hug your kids – they grow up so fast!

Warmly,

Cathy DiVincenzo MD