A very hard day ahead

[ChasDen]

In the morning we make the dreaded trip to an out of town university to drop off one of our youngest (a twin, the other one is staying in town and living with her mother).

We want the children to grow up, become contributing adults and be happy. Part of me is very excited for her; the other is scared to death for her. Of all 5 children she is by far the most insecure, immature, the least motivated and laid back of them all. She is determined to go off and live in a dorm and not go to school locally.

Being the person that I am, I never believed in child proofing the home, never covered the outlets with those little plastic things, (ask my son, he only stuck a paper clip in them once) and believe in learning from your mistakes, so I support her decision even though I think she is on a crash course for disaster. My wife and I have spent all summer trying to convince her to go somewhere cheaper (she is financing her school) but she is determined.

Shes a great kid that needs to grow up and the last thing I want to do is push her away. I am thankful she wants to better herself and not veg out playing video games. She is choosing a profession of public service so student loans will be a major part of her life for years to come. She claims she understands all of this, but I think she has yet to grasp it all. But based on the previous paragraph, I want what she wants and will support her. Some have ridden me very hard, telling me I need to stop her or "do the right thing". How is supporting your child's desire to get an education the wrong thing? She desires a life away from home, serving others, others who need help. Its hard to find a valid argument against that.

So 9 hours from now I will load her things into the SUV and off we will go.

Tomorrow night I will join Da Klugs support group

Chas

[lightning9191]

Good luck tomorrow!

[Emjaysmash]

I'm off to college tomorrow, as well. My dad doesn't smoke, but I might make him join the support group anyway.

[KenS]

It is definitely not easy watching them grow wings and fly away. But if you raise them well, you will constantly be amazed at how they blossom once they find their way. Good luck to the family!

[freakygar]

Chas,
I went throughit today for the first time.
Hard to say all the feelings going on within me right now.
Good luck, hug her tight and I'll see you in Daves thread tomorrow.
Al

[Ski1215]

I learned the hard way and I'm currently paying it off right now. School got expensive when I missed my scholarship the third year, so home I went. I found what I love to do, and it wasn't college. Its important, but its not for everyone.

[garyatmaui]

Chuck,
From what you say, I think you have raised an excellent child. Give her the freedom to try.....and perhaps fail, but love her and support her. It will work out.

Have a safe trip.

[mugen910]

Good luck bro...

[Biglizard1]

Chas,

Good luck pardner, I was one of the types that you are describing with your youngest when I was there. It took me several times and diferent avenues, but I finally got somewhere, I wish you the best for your family, you are doing good to support her, she will need that support! Being there for her as you have through life already. She will appreciate that. Your child is on the path to becoming who she already is! "Love em, teach em, watch em, love em some more"! Granted, the challenges will always be there, enjoy the ride.
-David

[ChasDen]

Well that is done

Had its ups and downs. Her roommates all were very nice and time will tell if they all get along. We walked the campus, did some unpacking and had a nice day. They are having a huge welcoming party in the commons with free food, games and entertainment so she will have something to do tonight.

The wife took it harder than me and cried when we left.

I fired up a Rocky Patel and reflected on the way home.

Good luck sweetheart, see you at Thanksgiving

Chas

[hardcz]

Way to go brother, give your wife a comforting hug and have faith in your daughter, I'm sure you two raised her well!