We were silent in the car, the four of us. Lost in thought, all just looking out our own windows. I think it was Tulsa before anyone said anything, which meant we were already halfway back.
Early that morning we had left our house, five of us, with two vehicles loaded down completely to take our daughter (our oldest and only girl) to college. And now we, my husband, two sons and I, were headed home without her.
- I couldn’t imagine (yet) passing by her room and it always being empty.
- I couldn’t imagine what the dinner table would be like night after night without her.
- I couldn’t imagine not having my partner. It had always been she and I together while my husband took the boys. Now it would just be me and boys.
Now I would have to find a new normal.
Well, for those of you embarking on your own new normal, I can tell you with confidence it will come! But for where you are here, now, I’ve compiled some of my past posts for you and your college kid. Plus, one for your back pocket, written by my daughter who is now a rising senior.
If you find these helpful, please share with other parents also in your shoes.
Three Takeaways for the College Student
When You Feel Emotionally Schizophrenic
Embracing a New Normal After a Child Leaves for College
Your Identity is Not in Your Greek Letters
Before #MeToo Becomes Yesterday’s News, the Truth about Rape on College Campuses
Is Jesus Enough? For the College Student and All the Rest of Us
Holding Onto Hope in College When It is Hard (Rebecca Hatton)
