I thought I was ready for college, but I was wrong!

I was fine.  Honestly.  From the time that Spencer was accepted to Ouachita Baptist University, I knew that within a few short months he would be leaving for college and living ON.  HIS.  OWN.  I knew this.  I was fine.  And then, I wasn't.  I wasn't fine at all; in fact, I was a mess and just one tear away from "the ugly cry".

We arrived at OBU on Saturday for ER (early registration) and to get Spencer's class schedule.  The fact that it was a gray day that was threatening rain did not help my mood.  But, I was calm and happy to be involved in this right of passage that so many parents before me have traveled.  I was all smiles when we saw old friends and sat through the welcome announcements.  Then, the students were sent to visit with their academic advisor and Spencer was gone.  It was just Brad and I sitting alone in the auditorium.  And, at that moment it hit me that Spencer was actually going to be living on campus and going to school and that he would be the one figuring everything out on his own...the medical issues and the school/study/fun/laundry/study/stress issues.  And it was too much.  I could feel it building but I tried to keep it in check because my husband of 23+ years has no clue what to do when I cry.  But it was futile and once the tears appeared, they would not stop.

I know what you are going to say.  "Thousands of parents have sent their children off to college and they have lived."  Did the parents live or only the kids because from where I am standing, it's not looking good for me.  Did any those kiddos have the type of medical issues that Spencer has had and does have to this day?  Maybe, but I'm sure he is not the first person to go to college who has had "challenges".

We left campus all in one piece and made it home with nary a tear from anyone in our car!  I hope a year from now I will look back and see what an awesome job we did preparing Spencer for this next adventure.  And I hope my memories do not include a padded cell for me.  Just sayin.

Mr. Smiley is working at Dickey-Stephens park this summer when the Travs are in town.  Stop by and give him a hard time!

"For I can do everything, with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need."
~Philippians 4:13