In just six days, O leaves for college … Is he ready? Yes. Is he packed? No.
This is life with boys. Or at least, life with my boys. (H was the same way.) This is my ninth time getting a kid ready to fly the nest, which means I’m used to their lack of preparedness. So why am I still so annoyed by it?
It’s not only that O’s not packed. He hasn’t done laundry since before we went on vacation last week. Nor has he figured out all he still needs to buy.
You’d think as a junior, this list would be small. It is and it isn’t:
He needs new sneakers because his feet grew over the summer. He needs new clothes because his body grew, too. He needs specific hair products because his afro requires special attention. And he needs the full list of bathroom accessories—a shower curtain and liner, toothbrush holder, soap dish, toilet brush, and plunger—because this year, he has his own bathroom.
Has he thought about any of this? No. Have I? Yes, because that’s what mothers do.
I know I shouldn’t care. I know he can handle it on his own. He has a car and a credit card (my credit card). He’s more than capable.
But there’s something about organizing the move and helping with these minor tasks and purchases that drives me. I used to think it was because I’m a planner and it’s what I do. But if I’m being honest, I think it’s because it makes me feel needed.
O is my youngest, but he’s not a baby anymore. He’s 20. Over the past few months, he’s really grown. Not just in size—he’s matured and really come into his own. I think my need to be part of the college move-in process is my way of keeping a piece of him close, even after he’s gone.
After all, no matter how tall he gets or how old he becomes, he’ll always be my baby.
Great things are ahead for you, O … Get ready!
—LJDT
