Having a very hard time with DS going off to college

[Beachbumpirates]

Awww, that sounds so cool! What sort of stuff did you put in your care boxes?

I'm thinking we might try to get DS home for Easter weekend. His older brother turns 21 that week, and it would be nice if we could all celebrate together. I have my fingers crossed someone will be coming home he can ride with. Otherwise we might have to get him and take him back one last time.

Great you can get him home for Easter. I am sad at the thought of ours not being with us. She finishes school May 1 and we were just with her this past weekend.

For the care package I found tall plastic cups w/straws at the Dollar Store. I filled them with jelly beans, Peeps and chocolate eggs. Wrapped a few ribbons around the straw and put a gift tag on it. Found it on Pinterest! One mom found Easter socks, another made smores w/Peeps, another brought Easter gel clings for their windows and lots of candy. I am already thinking about our next group care package and what I can find. I would think anything homemade would be great too (cookies, etc.)

 

[clh2]

Mom2rtk: if you "have" to go get your DS and then drop him off at the end of Easter-bring back some of the things he doesn't need any more! At least make it a productive trip, that may save a little time when he actually moves out!

I.e. If winter clothes will no longer be needed, bring them home!

 

[mom2rtk]

Great you can get him home for Easter. I am sad at the thought of ours not being with us. She finishes school May 1 and we were just with her this past weekend.

For the care package I found tall plastic cups w/straws at the Dollar Store. I filled them with jelly beans, Peeps and chocolate eggs. Wrapped a few ribbons around the straw and put a gift tag on it. Found it on Pinterest! One mom found Easter socks, another made smores w/Peeps, another brought Easter gel clings for their windows and lots of candy. I am already thinking about our next group care package and what I can find. I would think anything homemade would be great too (cookies, etc.)

What great ideas! Probably not anything my son would appreciate though. Although I'll still find some things to put in an Easter basket for him. Not the least of which will probably be a gift card to Vintage Stock.

These are all ideas I'm filing away though for when my daughter goes to college one day.

Mom2rtk: if you "have" to go get your DS and then drop him off at the end of Easter-bring back some of the things he doesn't need any more! At least make it a productive trip, that may save a little time when he actually moves out!

I.e. If winter clothes will no longer be needed, bring them home!

I already told him to think about what could come home at Easter. I think he liked the idea of being close enough to the end of the year to contemplate such things.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Hey everyone, if you guys can, please say a prayer for me. Yesterday lost vision in an eye briefly, then this morning the other eye. I am scared. CT scan showed my brain is OK. Eye exam showed no damage. going to hopefully see my primary today, probably going to have carotid ultrasound. I have to admit to being really scared. And of course we just decided Sunday to go to WDW this summer...

was going to say DS doesn't know if he can join us for our vacation. Was going to come here and post about it. Sad that he might miss out on it, our first vacation without him. BUT he doesn't know, he may be able to go.

Now I just hope I am OK and that we actually can go.

 

[mom2rtk]

Hey everyone, if you guys can, please say a prayer for me. Yesterday lost vision in an eye briefly, then this morning the other eye. I am scared. CT scan showed my brain is OK. Eye exam showed no damage. going to hopefully see my primary today, probably going to have carotid ultrasound. I have to admit to being really scared. And of course we just decided Sunday to go to WDW this summer...

was going to say DS doesn't know if he can join us for our vacation. Was going to come here and post about it. Sad that he might miss out on it, our first vacation without him. BUT he doesn't know, he may be able to go.

Now I just hope I am OK and that we actually can go.

Oh my, how scary!

Take a deep breath. I'll say a prayer that it's nothing serious and that you can enjoy Disney with your family without the cloud of any health issues.

So glad the CT is clear. That must help to put your mind at least a little bit at ease.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Oh my, how scary!

Take a deep breath. I'll say a prayer that it's nothing serious and that you can enjoy Disney with your family without the cloud of any health issues.

So glad the CT is clear. That must help to put your mind at least a little bit at ease.

Thank you! It does a little bit, at least no damage. But what is going on??? I hope the carotid arteries are OK... sure don't want that surgery!

 

[mom2rtk]

Thank you! It does a little bit, at least no damage. But what is going on??? I hope the carotid arteries are OK... sure don't want that surgery!

Take a deep breath and try not to think too far ahead. And let us know how this unfolds.

I know a few years ago I had some very concerning neurological problems, including some visual disturbances (although not loss of vision). I was a mess, absolutely convinced it was something very serious. Turns out it wasn't serious. And 7 years later it hasn't gotten any worse. I'll say a prayer yours turns out the same.

 

[clh2]

Hey everyone, if you guys can, please say a prayer for me. Yesterday lost vision in an eye briefly, then this morning the other eye. I am scared. CT scan showed my brain is OK. Eye exam showed no damage. going to hopefully see my primary today, probably going to have carotid ultrasound. I have to admit to being really scared. And of course we just decided Sunday to go to WDW this summer...

was going to say DS doesn't know if he can join us for our vacation. Was going to come here and post about it. Sad that he might miss out on it, our first vacation without him. BUT he doesn't know, he may be able to go.

Now I just hope I am OK and that we actually can go.

How very scary - My DH's aunt had something similar a couple of years ago. I'm sorry - I do not remember the specific details. She temporarily lost her vision, perhaps for about a week. It did come back in both eyes. Nothing medically could be found that would have caused this. The doctor thinks it may have been due to her diabetes as well as some stress she was under. She removed the stress (she had been providing day care for some of the grandkids) and hasn't had any problems since.

I know it is hard to not worry, but try not to, that just adds to the stress levels!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Take a deep breath and try not to think too far ahead. And let us know how this unfolds.

I know a few years ago I had some very concerning neurological problems, including some visual disturbances (although not loss of vision). I was a mess, absolutely convinced it was something very serious. Turns out it wasn't serious. And 7 years later it hasn't gotten any worse. I'll say a prayer yours turns out the same.

I am glad it wasn't serious for you, and thank you for the prayer!

How very scary - My DH's aunt had something similar a couple of years ago. I'm sorry - I do not remember the specific details. She temporarily lost her vision, perhaps for about a week. It did come back in both eyes. Nothing medically could be found that would have caused this. The doctor thinks it may have been due to her diabetes as well as some stress she was under. She removed the stress (she had been providing day care for some of the grandkids) and hasn't had any problems since.

I know it is hard to not worry, but try not to, that just adds to the stress levels!

Oh my gosh, an entire week??? I was freaking out with minutes. I have been under a lot of stress, I hope that is what it was, I am trying to keep calm. I did just book all my ADR's, that is a relief, and it is something fun to look forward to. hope that it is nothing

 

[Katy Belle]

Hey everyone, if you guys can, please say a prayer for me. Yesterday lost vision in an eye briefly, then this morning the other eye. I am scared. CT scan showed my brain is OK. Eye exam showed no damage. going to hopefully see my primary today, probably going to have carotid ultrasound. I have to admit to being really scared. And of course we just decided Sunday to go to WDW this summer...

was going to say DS doesn't know if he can join us for our vacation. Was going to come here and post about it. Sad that he might miss out on it, our first vacation without him. BUT he doesn't know, he may be able to go.

Now I just hope I am OK and that we actually can go.

Hugs to you! Praying for you here!

 

[LisaR]

Hey everyone, if you guys can, please say a prayer for me. Yesterday lost vision in an eye briefly, then this morning the other eye. I am scared. CT scan showed my brain is OK. Eye exam showed no damage. going to hopefully see my primary today, probably going to have carotid ultrasound. I have to admit to being really scared. And of course we just decided Sunday to go to WDW this summer...

was going to say DS doesn't know if he can join us for our vacation. Was going to come here and post about it. Sad that he might miss out on it, our first vacation without him. BUT he doesn't know, he may be able to go.

Now I just hope I am OK and that we actually can go.

I know it is easier said than done, but as others have said, try not to worry. I did that to myself once. I was convinced that I had bladder cancer (didn't help that the stupid nurse said what I had mimicked bladder cancer to a T). I caused myself so much worry and stress for weeks that I was just a shell of myself. By the time I was being wheeled back for the procedure, I was sobbing uncontrollably thinking it was the end of my life. I woke up to find DH with a big smile on his face saying it was nothing more than a tear in my bladder. I was so mad at myself for getting worked up, and causing so much stress on myself and everyone around me, that I promised myself to never do that again. Of course, easier said than done since I haven't had anymore scares like that. Hang in there! AND DON'T GOOGLE ANYTHING! Worst mistake ever when we might have a problem.

 

[LisaR]

Hard to believe we are in the home stretch - and we all made it!! LisaR - so glad it has worked out and the roommate is gone! We visited DD this past weekend and discovered her rotten first roommate will be transferring in the Fall. Very welcome news!

Regarding Easter Baskets I want to share with you what I hosted a few weeks back. I invited 10 mom friends who all have kids in college (most Freshman) over for a care package party! Since we all know each others kids this was a welcome idea. We each put together 11 Easter themed 'packages' - one for each kid. I grabbed the It Fits It Ships boxes from the post office, a bunch of Easter grass and a box of note cards. We set our piles of goodies out and each of us assembled a care package box to send to our kid. Everyone took theirs home and was responsible for shipping to their own kid. They turned out absolutely fantastic! Love how creative some are thanks to Pinterest. We had Easter socks, smores w/Peeps, candy and more. We each wrote something on the notecards and included those also. My DD should be receiving hers tomorrow and I cannot wait to hear what she thinks! We are planning to do a Back to School, Halloween and Valentine's Day box now too!

Happy Easter all! Soon our kiddos will be home for summer!

What a cool idea!!

DD isn't coming home for Easter. She was just home last weekend and she will be home for good 13 days after Easter. She has three tests the week after Easter so, honestly, I'd rather she stays and studies. We aren't big on celebrating Easter so no biggie.

I did just make up a SMALL Easter "basket" to send her. I don't want to haul more stuff home so there isn't much in there and the little plastic pail I bought from the Dollar Store can be pitched.

DD's B'day is in May. All she wants is stuff for her apartment next year. I think we're going to need a U-Haul next year!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

thanks for the support! I promise I won't google anything! tomorrow is the ultrasound and the echo. I'll feel better once I get those results back.

 

[mom2travel]

thanks for the support! I promise I won't google anything! tomorrow is the ultrasound and the echo. I'll feel better once I get those results back.

Good luck. Sending prayers for you :

 

[Beachbumpirates]

thanks for the support! I promise I won't google anything! tomorrow is the ultrasound and the echo. I'll feel better once I get those results back.

Thinking of you and hoping today was a "non-event". Sending prayers and hugs too!

3 weeks from today we bring DD home!! Cannot believe Freshman year is almost over and we all made it through! whew

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Hey guys, thanks again everyone! Last night finally I didn't have any vision issues! Now I wait for the tests... waiting is hard. trying not to think about it!

Now back to kids...

So DS is thinking of not doing the boy scout job in New Mexico. So you would think that he would be coming home for summer... Well in the last 2 conversations he says that if he doesn't go to Philmont then he is "probably staying here to get a job this summer". Well... That leads me to believe my DS is basically moving on and "moving out".

And he doesn't know if he will be able to come to WDW with us in summer. That would be our first family vacation without him


I haven't really talked to him about those comments. I see him hopefully next week Wed. for dinner. I will talk to him then. If that happens I will be so incredibly sad. I of course will tell him that he LIED to me when he was leaving for college of course I was crying and he told me "it's not like I'm leaving home, I'm just going to college"

In my mind I know that he would have better opportunities for a summer job up there rather than our little town, however my heart isn't ready for this.

So, for all of you that your kids are coming home... I am so JEALOUS! So very happy for you, but VERY JEALOUS!

I think this weekend I will bake his favorite cookie and bring it on Wed. Not so much for him, but almost therapy for me!

 

[mom2rtk]

Hey guys, thanks again everyone! Last night finally I didn't have any vision issues! Now I wait for the tests... waiting is hard. trying not to think about it!

Now back to kids...

So DS is thinking of not doing the boy scout job in New Mexico. So you would think that he would be coming home for summer... Well in the last 2 conversations he says that if he doesn't go to Philmont then he is "probably staying here to get a job this summer". Well... That leads me to believe my DS is basically moving on and "moving out".

And he doesn't know if he will be able to come to WDW with us in summer. That would be our first family vacation without him


I haven't really talked to him about those comments. I see him hopefully next week Wed. for dinner. I will talk to him then. If that happens I will be so incredibly sad. I of course will tell him that he LIED to me when he was leaving for college of course I was crying and he told me "it's not like I'm leaving home, I'm just going to college"

In my mind I know that he would have better opportunities for a summer job up there rather than our little town, however my heart isn't ready for this.

So, for all of you that your kids are coming home... I am so JEALOUS! So very happy for you, but VERY JEALOUS!

I think this weekend I will bake his favorite cookie and bring it on Wed. Not so much for him, but almost therapy for me!

Hi Princess Vija! So glad the testing is over and that you had a break in your vision issues last night. I'll keep praying that the tests were fine and you can put your mind at ease very soon.

I completely understand your anxiety over your son's comments. Just take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back that you raised someone well grounded enough to be able to be on his own and take care of himself at such a young age.

And remember the road through college is long. Things change. My friend went through this when her son moved away to college. And he has been in and out of the house countless times since then. Things change, jobs change, housing arrangements change.

Big hugs though. You do deserve a few more of those.

 

[Katy Belle]

DS will be moving home in 4 weeks! He has two Finals on Friday May 8, so he will probably not come home until Saturday. Unfortunately, we will be out of town at a wedding! He's going to stay here with our youngest. Glad he's willing and able to do that! He is looking for a job, in our town. So he will be home with us for about 10 weeks! I know we will have some bumpy moments, having him here again, but I'm looking forward to it!

PRINCESS VIJA, good luck to you! Hope you get results soon, waiting is hard!

 

[clh2]

So, for all of you that your kids are coming home... I am so JEALOUS! So very happy for you, but VERY JEALOUS!

I think this weekend I will bake his favorite cookie and bring it on Wed. Not so much for him, but almost therapy for me!

Oh Princess Vija - I so understand. My DD got a fab job on campus last summer (same job this summer too.) It ended up being a great summer - she was home for 2 weeks, gone for 4, then home for July 4 week, and then gone for 4 more weeks, and then we had her home for a couple of weeks at the end of the summer. Of course - then my DD went on a couple of globetrotting adventures, so she was barely home at Christmas and not home at spring break either.

Plain and simple - our babies are growing up. It really means that you've done your job as a parent - to give them the ability to go spread their wings and know how to live outside the "family unit".

I have 2 nieces, one out of college, the other with 1 more semester. These girls do not even have driver's licenses yet. My sister has to take the older one to her job interviews. I can't even imagine. It is like the kids are "officially handicapped", and will be stuck at home, because they can't drive. So - while you are lamenting your DS going out and experiencing life - the "other" side of things would be so much worse.

We do see our DD on Sunday - and are meeting 1/2 way for breakfast. It is her 20th (am I that old???) birthday on Monday. I am glad she is finding the time for us! She is also coming home next weekend for Easter. I'm not really sure why - she probably needs some dog-time. She really doesn't come home unless it is an extended weekend, which this one is not.

I'm expecting her food requests some time this week. I know she wants asparagus at some point while she is home. Probably some steaks too.

And - since you brought up cookies - reminds me that I want to see if I can order DD a "birthday cookie" for her to share with friends.

Gotta go - hope everyone has a great day! Nice to see some spring happening in our neck of the woods! Hope you all are too!

 

[cabanafrau]

I appreciate and feel all of the comments and feelings about kids rarely being home. DD wound up stumbling into a great job within just over a month after the beginning of freshman year. Initially she was expected to handle administrative and clerical tasks, which she was thrilled because she expected to be slaving in the cafeteria kitchens. Within a month or two they started discussing her possibly undertaking some tasks with the various research teams in the future. Then the bomb dropped that they needed her year round, over the breaks.

We were very fortunate that first year they let her take the Christmas break at home. When she went back after break she was hustled into assisting the research side, tending to some of her clerical functions here and there. As they discovered her talents and abilities, her responsibilities grew. And mom sat home, thrilled at the good fortune and crying because I knew she was never really "coming home" again.

We managed 3 days at WDW last summer. Spring break this year she was home about 27 hours. Last summer she didn't work Fridays & buzzed home most Friday afternoons for the weekend. Last week she informed me her boss inquired if she could work full-time this summer. No, she has classes, however that means she cannot be off Fridays like last summer, which probably cuts the visits home in half at a minimum.

I know, we raise them for this, but I don't have to like it.