College Visit Marathon

Hello!

I am writing this blog blurry-eyed and exhausted from a marathon travel day to visit colleges with my high school Senior!!

I know, I should not have put it off until the last two weeks of summer vacation, but such is the way of the world when one is facing something they'd rather not face. Besides being very busy with the "honey do" list (see previous blog), I have not wanted to make these college visits. Partly because I hate the travel, and partly because I cannot believe my little girl is getting ready to fly from the nest.

This child, of course, doesn't want to go to a nearby college-nearby meaning inside a two-hour drive. She wants to visit two colleges clear across NYS. So at 3:30 AM Monday morning the two of us get on the NYS thru-way and head to Lake Eric to visit a college in Fredonia NY and then to Rochester to visit another. Driving home sixteen hours later was enlightening as I got to see all the roadside attractions I couldn't see in the dark during the "wee" morning hour's drive.

Our visit was a great time for the two of us. I have to admit "road tripping" with my daughter (aside from the hours and distance) was so much fun. She is such a funny kid. When she wasn't sleeping-which was often-she was singing and chatting and burping and other obnoxious things I won't mention here. She has an incredible take on life.

When we started out talking about this trip and planning for it, I have to admit, I was very worried that she wasn't going to be able to hack college. She always seemed so dizzy and spacey that I thought she'd be chewed up and spit out by the college system and course demands within two weeks. Thinking that I didn't want to send her to a place five hours away only to have to turn around and pick her up after ten or so days, I discouraged these particular colleges. Alas, she got her way and we hit the road. After touring the schools and watching her look the places over and ask questions, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. She began to look like a college student to me. She had that sparkle in her eye and I could feel the passion in her spirit as she found out more and more about the Music Education programs at these colleges. She seemed so different to me. On our way home, during one of her many naps, I thought to myself that she was indeed getting ready to move on and become who she is destined to be.

Wow-wee. Where did the time go?

So, now we prepare for our Senior year. I say "we" because she still is our dizzy daughter and still requires prodding and encouragement, but also I say "we" because it's our year of lasts. We get to share our last homecoming dance and prom, our last chamber concerts and our last many other things. It's our year of last hanging outs at the local coffee house late on a Sunday just to gab or the last year to peek into her room before going to sleep to say good night and share a moment.

Oh well. I know, last-lasts, lead to beginning beginnings and that is where I have to keep my focus. I'm proud of her and what she is and what I glimpse she is to become.

Hmmm,
Have Hope,
Donna