Wean

These are the days of mixed feelings. Each passage of life brings the thrill of something new and the anticipation of growth. At the same time, there are tears and fears.

Our first child has gone off to college. My wife and I have been excited about this for some time. Preparing for college is a big project for a family: reading up on every course, facility and service the university provides; budgeting; trying to think of and buy all the stuff needed for living in residence; moving. It's a time when being aware of one's emotions through the process is suppressed because of the focus on the things that need to be done. But now she is there. We are here. And there is time to think about it.

I realize that even though I miss her, I'm OK with her being away. She is growing up and this is the way people grow up. It's actually fun to communicate at a distance (how great is the internet!), and to get her updates and personal commentary on her new experiences. So far, she is very positive about her courses and professors. I think she likes her surroundings and the campus. Nevertheless, her daily pining to "come home" is so sweet, and tugs at my heart.

Worry! Well, I am a parent after all. But the worry is not about her success at university or achieving what she desires. My wife and I are anxious that she may be lonely. We worry that she may find university life less than all it was hyped up to be. We hope that she joins a good fellowship group. We hope that she can do some sports. We hope that she makes some friends, and builds some meaningful friendships. This is important because we know she has little tolerance for superficial or acquaintance type relationships. She needs a few people with whom she does not feel "awkward." We give suggestions and advice, but that's about all we can do.

Years ago, I wrote her a little short story about a princess who was loved by her parents. Her parents knew well enough that as the passages of life came along, the best they could do was to commend their princess to the Lord. We did, and do still.