I've been thinking about leaving for college in August...

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

And the one part of it that has struck a chord is saying goodbye to my dad.
He cant fly out to Indiana with us because of work and we're leaving a week before I have to be at school to spend time with my grandparents in Indiana.
So i'll be saying goodbye to my dad a week ahead of time in the airport in front of everybody and I know i'm gonna be sobbing.
I cry just thinking about saying goodbye to him.

My question: Is it really that hard to say goodbye to family?

 

[Pam]

Unfortunately, it is.... But you have to keep a positive outlook and remember that you can phone or email your family, and there's always vacations and breaks when you'll hopefully get to go back home.

My neighbor is in her first year of college in Florida, and although she was very homesick the first couple of weeks, she has really adjusted well and now loves college.

Just remember that your family is always with you - in your heart and in your dreams.

 

[Patrick IL.]

First year saying goodbye is hard Norah...I was in worse shape then my kids I thought my wife would be the one upset. Its part of growing up though, for both parents and students. Time changes things, we keep in constant contact via phone, email and they come home and visit. You will do fine

 

[Kirk]

Do something one on one with him before you get to the airport. Say those g'byes, tell 'im how much you're gonna miss 'im and cry those tears while you're one on one. He'll appreciate it and you'll feel a little better. But remember them are some awfully good tears to shed! Having family to love and be loved by is IMHO one of God's greatest blessings here on earth!!!

 

[nativetxn]

I never went away to college so I never faced this situation. My son went to school in Texas over 1300 miles away and he didn't seem to have any trouble saying goodbye to me

However, we are in that part of Texas several times every year, Texas is also his home, lots of family there, so perhaps that's why he didn't seem to have trouble saying goodbye.

Either that or he couldn't wait to get away from us

 

[Saffron]

Awwww Norah, saddly, yes it is. But -- once you get settled in at school and all the butterflies stop, once you start making friends, buckling down to studying, adventuring out to social events, before you know it, you'll be home again, not able to believe that you've been gone so long because it feels like you just left yesterday. After the first time, it gets a little easier each time and before you know it, it will be summer and you'll get into each other's hair Once again. Nothing changes while your gone, promise. People grow and things happen, but everything will always be the same between you and your dad forever.

 

[gina2000]

It is and it isn't, Norah. You will have so many new people around you and so many new places to learn about that it's daunting and exciting at the same time. One part of you will cling to your parents and not want them to leave....the other will want to spread your wings and take off!

Just remember, your family is only a phone call away.

 

[minniecarousel]

Yeah, it's tough saying good-bye to your family. I agree, have a one-on-one with him before you leave. You'll still cry when you say good-bye to him at the airport, but have a private good-bye also. For a long time, as soon as my boys drove away after being home, I walked in the house crying. The happier they are at school, the less sad I am at home! It'll be a period of adjustment, but get involved at college, and you'll do fine!

 

[snoopy]

Listen to your wise old Auntie Gina, what she says is right on.

You'll be fine, Norah, just keep that phone handy for when you need to talk to Daddy. I called my parents just about every night my entire freshman year, and my Dad finally told me I had to quit because the phone bill was more than their grocery bill! While he was only half kidding, I knew that he wanted me to spread my wings, and eventually, I did.

Such an exciting time for you! Can't wait to hear from you once you start college.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yep, Norah, it can be tough, but many good points already said. It is great you feel that way, really super.

And remember, a cyber-dad is only a few miles north on I-65.

 

[Kitty 34]

Yes it's sad BOTH ways, I found out.......as a student and as a parent!

 

[wdw4us]

As a parent, it's awful. I brought my son to the airport to leave for college. He went by himself. I knew he'd be OK but it was still tough. He told me when he left, he'd never come back - there are no jobs for special effects for movies here in NH. So I fully expect him to be gone except for occassional visits.

It's been 2 years and I still miss him but as was said, it's time to grow up.- for all of us.

Good luck, remember, IM, and email and of course phones are so convenient now. So easy to keep in touch.

denise

 

[oldkicker]

What Gina said, Norah.

I think it's a really lovely thing that you and your Dad are so close.

 

[Snowwark]

Another "What Gina said, Norah"....

I agree with what Bernie said also, it really is wonderful to have a close father-daughter relationship.

(((((((( Hugs ))))))) Norah!

 

[danacara]

Norah, which lucky college is getting you as a freshman?

 

[disykat]

Maybe it's because I was the 3rd child to go to college, but it wasn't hard at all. I came home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break etc. so I knew it wasn't forever. I knew from watching my older siblings go that we had lots of contact with them by phone etc. and thought about them just as much - it really felt like a very temporary "see you soon".

The hardest goodbye I had was when my sister left me to go to college - I was a senior in high school (we were very close since we were only a year apart) and sat in 1st period blubbering like an idiot. My dog had died that summer and all I could think about was that it was just me and my parents now!

 

[Margie J]

Freshman year in College can be both exciting and scary at the same time. So much is new; friends, City, expectations, responsibilities, independence. As hard as it may be to think about the "goodbye" know that it's not forever. Think of it as the start of a new journey, part of becoming a mature adult. Many people in College (or post-HS) discover aspects of their personality they never knew existed or were afraid to express before.

The close realtionship you now share with your father can be enhanced as you share your College experiences with him. Don't be afraid to cry at the airport. It's true emotion.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

Dana I'm going to DePauw University.
It's about 45 mins west of Indy.