08/24/2021
This Sunday Dylan will start living at the college dorm. Saw this poem on the UMBC site:
This a bittersweet poem for all the Moms sending thier kids off to college:
Twas the Night Before Move-In Day
’Twas the night before Move-In Day and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse.
The totes were lined up by the back door with care,
in hopes that somehow they’d fit next to the spare.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
but not me—I sat there awake, my heart filled with dread.
Her heart became generous and faithful and kind,
she touched little lives, one day at a time.
Now this adult-child of ours, all grown up and ready
to embark on a journey made me feel quite unsteady.
But like any good mom, I knew what must be done
so I took a big breath and said a prayer to the One.
I looked deep within and knew what must be,
that my sweet baby boy must sail and be free.
Eyes filled with tears and a Kleenex in my grasp,
I thought about his birth, his life and his path.
As a baby, he was all cuddly and sweet,
and his toddler years he was fast on his feet.
In junior high, through puberty, sports and boys,
He grew nearly a foot and brought me such joy.
With a quick swipe of makeup and a hot cup of joe,
I loaded the car—every box—on my own.
When the family awoke to pancakes and bacon,
we started the day as a huge celebration.
This was it! My one chance to set the tone for a day
that was life-changing for everyone in their personal way.
We arrived on campus with a thousand others,
each one experiencing the mixed emotions of this mother.
to make a warm home out of a room that was bare.
When all was unloaded and the time came to go
I embraced my baby with a lump in my throat.
I mustered my strength and offered a kiss,
telling him this was an opportunity for him not to miss.
We’d given him anchor—security, values and love,
a sense of belonging and support from above.
We now must give sails—the independence to be free
to find his own path as he heads out to sea.
I heard him exclaim as we drove out of sight-
“Thanks for everything, Mom, I will be alright.”