to take our second child to college. She cried when we left, and so did I. Our oldest daughter (a senior) is also there, so I hope that will make things easier for her.

Samsaf, sending you big hugs!!! I hope both of your daughters have a wonderful school year. I am also prepping myself for the empty nest

Samsaf, ((hug))! When we brought our oldest child to Austin for her first year of college, she cried when we left. When we dropped her off for her sophomore year, she waved good-bye and my husband cried. He doesn't cry...I've seen it happen twice in 36 years. Much later he explained, "freshman year I knew she still needed me. Sophomore year I knew she didn't, she was gone." (PS, I cried every year! LOL )

But really OO, does the crying really ever end, lol?!?

Oh, i hear you. One down, one to go here, and i know its gonna be even tougher with the second. And its coming way too soon... Samsaf, best wishes to your DDs and you.
OO, seetheworld or anyone, any good sage advice for this season of life?

elleng: I read your trip report - I also want my "babies" back, lol. But that's not going to happen. The oldest son has graduated college, has a job, goes to grad school, and has moved into his own apartment. The youngest, will be a sophmore and it's only a matter of time before he'll be completely on his own.

Sage advice? Hmmm....my youngest said to me right before he left for college, "Mom, you need to get a hobby" - I joined Fodors.

Fodor's is my hobby, too!

I just talked to both daughters, and they're doing well. No tears today. (Cell phones are a wonderful thing!!)

Our son is a junior in high school, so in 2 years, he's off to college, too.

Thanks for the replies. It's good to know I'm not the only mom who cries.

Samsaf, hugs ><

ellen, you made some great memories for your kids with your trip out west this Summer! Our kids still talk about some of ours and we still take at least one a year with them, although they are now in their 30's. We all enjoy it and I suspect yours will too for many years to come.

seetheworld...no it never will stop! LOL The day you become a parent, you don't fully comprehend that it's a lifetime role, not 0-21 or whatever, although the nature of the role changes through the phases of their lives. Their joys and sorrows are as much yours when they are adults as when they were toddlers or teens...and to this day, I can't say good-bye to them without a few tears!

Samsaf - It is so nice that your daughters have each other to rely on at school. That I'm sure gives you peace of mind.

From one percussion mom to another...Will your son's marching band be coming to the Lassiter Marching Band Showcase this year? I know on another thread you mentioned that they went last year. It would be great to cheer for the child of a fellow Fodorite!

Thanks, everybody.

1scs1, I don't think we're going to Lassiter this year. Does your child go to Lassiter? They have a great band! Tomorrow night is our first football game, so that's what we'll be doing for the next few months on Friday nights!

Samsaf, are your daughters at Berry? We've heard very good things about that school, and how great that they are together! I took my daughter to Georgia Tech today, no sobs on either part, just relief that the summer is over! She went away to school her senior year of hs, and was ready to go then, too. She's the type who has been going to camp for two months every summer since third grade--I guess we got used to it along the way.

Our youngest is going away to boarding school next year, maybe in Rome, GA also. We're hoping he likes Darlington because it is so much closer than the NC schools. He is the one I am really going to miss I know you'll enjoy these next years with your son--after our two eldest were gone, it was fun to have an "only" child.

My oldest is a senior in h.s. and I am sooooo ready (and so is he) for him to go to college. I know I will cry the whole way home from taking him but tell me some of the rest of you felt that way at the beginning of their senior year in h.s. , please!

BTW....my son is trumpet section leader for Avon H.S. Marching Black and Gold in Avon, IN. Do you percussion moms come to Indy for the national championships in November? I'd love to get together for a drink or dinner with some Fodorites during the competition!

Samsaf- yes my son goes to Lassiter. Tomorrow night is our first football game too - so much fun!! Let's hope that the thunderstorms stay away!

amwosu - no we won't be coming up for nationals this year. We were there in 1998 and 2002. Perhaps next year. It would have been fun to have a Fodorite marching band GTG!

Bummer! Enjoy the football and competition season.

kswl, yes, they're at Berry. We have been really impressed with that college the past few years. And the girls are doing fine! I have learned to "instant message," so I was talking to both of them last night, both on the computer and then later on the phone.

amwosu - yes, we're going to Indianapolis! We were there last year, and I think you were, too, weren't you? I seem to remember the Avon band.

Do any of you plan to come to the Atlanta BOA?

1scs1 - Have fun at tonight's game!