Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 19:51     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:One of my college kids left today and the other leaves at the end of the week. I have been fine while they’ve been away, but was surprised by how much happier I felt while they were here: life seems a bit brighter, the house warmer with emotion, everything just is in a little sharper focus. Things are fine while they’re away and I’m glad they’re thriving, but I also love having them around. I suppose it’s a win-win, but agree with OP that today feels a little bit sad.

This is OP and I love your description. I’ve been fine when he was gone (I have a 15yo who still keeps me busy) but our house just felt “right” again with our 19 yo home. Plus, our kids are super-close and I loved seeing them together again.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 19:48     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
We had the best Christmas break with our daughter, who went back to school today. I miss her already!
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 19:44     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
One of my college kids left today and the other leaves at the end of the week. I have been fine while they’ve been away, but was surprised by how much happier I felt while they were here: life seems a bit brighter, the house warmer with emotion, everything just is in a little sharper focus. Things are fine while they’re away and I’m glad they’re thriving, but I also love having them around. I suppose it’s a win-win, but agree with OP that today feels a little bit sad.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 18:45     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
We’re dropping off next week. I know it’ll be sad and even though we have two other kids, it’s just sinking in that kid #2 will be heading to college this fall too and it’s going to be an even quieter house.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 18:31     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
I just dropped mine off. It was nice having him home but it’s time to go back. His favorite thing is going to the gym so that’s where he is now. I’m looking forward to having my bathroom back and not hearing, “We don’t have any food!” 🤣
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 18:13     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Ugh my juniors went back on Friday and I still cried. The house is so quiet and life is just a little dimmer when they are gone. I will never get used to it.


My college junior moved from his dorm room into an apartment-style dorm after break. He wanted me to help him organize his new kitchen stuff and get him settled, but I only had about 15 minutes. When I left, he was sitting at his little kitchen table, unwrapping utensils, looking every bit as old as his 10-year-old self. I walked to my car as fast I could before crying. I don't know where that came from, but something about that moment just filled me with longing to have my 10-year-old son back.


This last post is the sweetest post. I know what you mean.


+1. I know what you mean too. My son is a freshman. I’m doing ok, but I find myself missing his younger days a lot. The toddler, preschool ,elementary school age. So many memories fill my mind a lot. Maybe because I was such a main part of his life then 😂
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 16:19     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I mainly felt relief. Maybe a twinge of missing him for 5 mins when I got home but I have 2 other kids.



Why relief? I loved having my daughter back home


He is just...a lot. Sucks air out of the room. Sibs less relaxed.

Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 16:07     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:I mainly felt relief. Maybe a twinge of missing him for 5 mins when I got home but I have 2 other kids.



Why relief? I loved having my daughter back home
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 16:00     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Ugh my juniors went back on Friday and I still cried. The house is so quiet and life is just a little dimmer when they are gone. I will never get used to it.


My college junior moved from his dorm room into an apartment-style dorm after break. He wanted me to help him organize his new kitchen stuff and get him settled, but I only had about 15 minutes. When I left, he was sitting at his little kitchen table, unwrapping utensils, looking every bit as old as his 10-year-old self. I walked to my car as fast I could before crying. I don't know where that came from, but something about that moment just filled me with longing to have my 10-year-old son back.


This last post is the sweetest post. I know what you mean.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 15:55     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We give them roots so they can use their wings to fly. I enjoyed having my young adult college kids home for the break, but am just as happy to see them go, because I know they see living their best lives! Be happy for your kids that they are doing so well, not sad for yourself


This is such a stupid post. We can be happy for them and still miss them. It doesn’t mean we tell them but we have feelings, too.


Agree, plus I can't get my head around the worst mixed metaphor ever


Yes, that too.


I agree. I cannot STAND the inane “give them wings” expression.

Your mileage may vary.

Yes - I hate that expression too.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 15:46     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We give them roots so they can use their wings to fly. I enjoyed having my young adult college kids home for the break, but am just as happy to see them go, because I know they see living their best lives! Be happy for your kids that they are doing so well, not sad for yourself


This is such a stupid post. We can be happy for them and still miss them. It doesn’t mean we tell them but we have feelings, too.


Agree, plus I can't get my head around the worst mixed metaphor ever


Yes, that too.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 15:46     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:As the parent to a 15 year old and a 17 year old…..this feels so foreign to me. I hope I miss them when they are gone but currently I miss them when they are in the house. One has been in her room all day—the other materialized to walk the dog then back to the video games. I barely see them and when I do it’s really a toss up as to whether they’ll be pleasant!
I will check back in on this in a year when I’m dropping my freshman back at the airport.



There’s a Bill Bryson piece about exactly that. He explains that even when they’re not doing things with you, they’re still *there*. You could go hug your kid right now if you wanted. When they leave, they’re really gone. There’s a difference.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 15:45     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
I mainly felt relief. Maybe a twinge of missing him for 5 mins when I got home but I have 2 other kids.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 15:44     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We give them roots so they can use their wings to fly. I enjoyed having my young adult college kids home for the break, but am just as happy to see them go, because I know they see living their best lives! Be happy for your kids that they are doing so well, not sad for yourself


This is such a stupid post. We can be happy for them and still miss them. It doesn’t mean we tell them but we have feelings, too.


Agree, plus I can't get my head around the worst mixed metaphor ever
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2024 15:37     Subject: Just dropped my freshman off at the airport…
Anonymous wrote:We give them roots so they can use their wings to fly. I enjoyed having my young adult college kids home for the break, but am just as happy to see them go, because I know they see living their best lives! Be happy for your kids that they are doing so well, not sad for yourself


This is such a stupid post. We can be happy for them and still miss them. It doesn’t mean we tell them but we have feelings, too.