For the first time since August 13th, we saw Wilson this weekend. We had all kinds of plans ready to go. And then the balloon deflated. He sat with friends at the football game, went to see a girl he likes,hung out at night with other friends home for Labor Day weekend. We ate dinner with him on Saturday night and were relieved that he still likes us. We laughed and caught up, aware of the minimal amount of time that we were going to spend with him. He told us about pledging a fraternity,going to class, iclickers and assignments. We ask question after question trying to fit it all in between the hot bread and dessert. And then he was gone.
I had to remind myself that coming home from college the first time is strange for him too. We wanted more and he wanted less. He was excited about leaving today,like he was missing all of his new buddies. As he left to go back, once again my heart lurched and I wanted to yell kicking and screaming down the driveway. I am not sure when this is supposed to get easier, but so far, no luck there. For all of you pre-college parents, you are probably going to navigate this so much better than me. I have a bit of Erma Bombeck in me. She always said"Don't hide it.Just yell it." Well,I'm yelling. This is a new bend in the road and it sure is steep. So excuse me while I yell my way up it. I want to go back. I want him to be five. I want him to need me and ask me questions. There it is. But it won't change. And he is far from five.