I am mentally exhausted. We took Tom to Warwick University today. It was high octane stuff. Everyone was on edge. It’s a big thing for all of us. Anne and I were thrilled that he was going. We know it is the right thing and that he will have a fantastic time. We are proud of him but you could feel the tension, the electricity in the house. Even Tom, though he probably wouldn’t admit, it was hyper.
It was all about the need to get there for 11am. That’s when everyone was going to arrive. None of this “look around the University”. “Just drop me off and let me get on with it”. I am pleased to say that the nearer we got to our destination the more our son became our son.
When we got there we were a team. Tom and Anne got out of the car when we were in the traffic queue and went to suss out the scene. Two major trips from car to room had him installed. The Tesco shopping trolley was invaluable.
An hour walking round the campus with other parents and offspring was rewarding. He was one of us. Tref and Anne’s son. He put up with Tref the Paparazzo and paid attention to his younger brother John.
We picked up his Students Union card, listened to the Endsleigh insurance sales pitch, waited whilst he spoke with various official and unofficial organisations and marvelled at the Warwick University campus.
Back at his room we said goodbye. Hugs and handshakes. Everyone was happy. The future is his.
Glad it all went well. You are right – the future is all theirs, these bright young things.
I remember leaving my kids at uni. No mobiles in those days. No internet. A letter once a week.
They aren’t so far away any more, texts, emails, skype calls.
chris
Comment by chris — October 2, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
Thanks Chris. All we ask is he keeps in touch every now and again :). He will.
Comment by tref — October 2, 2010 @ 8:22 pm