Off To College / A Letter from Daughter to Mom and Dad

Sending your child off to college for the first time isn't a very easy thing to do. I've heard that said many times before but to experience the truth of it came for me today. Barely sleeping a wink the night before, I arose with the first glimpse of sun to make a special breakfast for Tracey and to put together last minute items before hitting the road. We wanted an early start in order to beat most of the other 5,000 freshman at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on move-in day.

We were beginning to feel some of the increased stresses of making a big transition from high school to college and then Tracey, somewhat teary eyed, handed me a special card she had made for her Dad and I.

After good-byes were said at home and guidance offered to reassure Tracey that she could deal with the college experience we headed out the door where 2 cars were packed and waiting. It was a beautiful morning! Tracey drove with me and it was pretty much a quiet ride between her and I.

The night before Tracey got together with friends and did some celebrating. Her group of friends have special songs they listen to together and each friend was given a cd of their songs. They agreed they would listen to it on their way to college, each of them going their separate ways but each remaining connected through their special music. It was rather beautiful. Tracey would pipe in now and then asking me if I knew this song. She was very proud of me that I did know some of them.

As we drove past Mt. Wachusetts we saw a glimpse of the coming fall foliage and I imagined many future trips through this beautiful area. I have seen this part of Western Massachusetts at the peak of foliage season and it is spectacular. This country drive displaying its splendor and beauty in all four seasons makes the back and forth drive easier during college time off and is one of the good reasons Tracey chose this school.

What excitement and joy of arrival at UMass Amherst as Tracey looks all about and proclaims "this is frigin sweeeet". Yup, no more need for Mom to worry. And you should see the size of her dorm room. Her new roommate Lauren's mom has a knack for designing and transformed their room into the sweetest pink party pad you could ever imagine. Now I worry!!!! Second thought, I wouldn't mind staying here awhile. Tracey smiles and gives the thumbs up.

The only thing left for Tracey's parents to do now is to let her grow to become more independent. I believe one of the greatest gifts to give your child is the ability to solve their own problems rather than taking care of everything for them. Many parents think their job is done once their child turns 18 but I will welcome the delights and dilemmas of being a parent of a college student.

We are thinking of you and miss you, Tracey. Please keep in touch. Hugs from Mom and Dad and thanks for the special card.