Tomorrow I join the legions of parents who have driven up to a university and dropped off their child. I know it won't be that easy (if I don't make her bed, who will?). She is a great kid and I am so excited for her opportunity. But as anyone who has been through it (or will have to go through it), it is bittersweet.
She told my younger daughter last night that she has to take over the role of talking to me while I make dinner. Knowing my children as I do, that is unlikely to happen, but it is those little things that will be hard. My oldest is the one that will go for a walk with me when all other exercise plans have gone by the wayside. She is usually up for a quick trip to the grocery store and always for a trip to Target. She will talk current events and politics with me. And of course, she always talks to me while I cook.
We somehow navigated her Senior year of high school with the stress of college applications, hearing from colleges, the Prom Date drama, the post-prom party and beach week (an awful Virgina tradition where all of the newly graduated seniors head off on an unsupervised beach trip)-- and we all survived.
I know this is a new adventure and I have been asked many times this week how I am doing. So far, I am doing okay because I am so excited for her. I loved college and she has always wanted to have the kind of experience that my husband and I have described to her over the years.
If you are dropping a college student off over the next couple of weeks, GOOD LUCK! Be strong--there are a lot of us out there.
Two Days Later...the drop off went smoothly and she is now comfortably settled at college. Surprisingly, I held it together and there were no tears at the end. I will give you a piece of advice that allowed me to leave without tears. Our last task before heading home was to go pick up her books at the bookstore--us and every other first year student and their extended family! It was a nightmare. By the time we finished with that horror, we were all ready for some quiet time--us on the road and my daughter in the dorm. I hope your trips go as well...remember the bookstore if you think you might cry! Nothing like too many people packed in to a small space to take the emotion out of a moment!
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Holly, what a sweet post! You really gave us all a peek at a wonderful daughter who I'm sure will make you proud!
I remember it well...I waws six hours from home and not likely to get back there before Thanksgiving in a school where I knew no one....and had already secretly decided I was going to "escape" after the first year....four years later, I hated to leave. This time the tears were because I was leaving....not staying.
Holly~ It is a hard thing to do as a parent, super hard to let go. But, it is something we have to do.... remember how hard it was their first day of school- I remember it like it was yesterday and all four of my kids are grown. Such bittersweet memories, it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! Now I have grandkids.... which is absolutely wonderful...
Holly, Thank you for trying to describe your precious daughter to us...it is impossible to do in only 5 paragraphs, but your love for her really comes through! My son (eldest child) goes to college next year so I understand that this year will be extremely busy with college preparations and applications, and so forth...but for ME...as a mom...I don't know how I'll prepare MYSELF for it. I pray that your daughter is safe, and that she is successful in all that she does. And I pray for you and your family to be strong. I know it will be difficult. HOLIDAYS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Driving to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff was a hard day for me and I cried almost all the way back into Phoenix. My baby was grown and gone. BUT, four years later, my heart was filled with joy and pride as I watched my child graduate. Holly, that day will come for you and your tears will be of joy for knowing that through your nurturing, your little girl has accomplished a major goal.
And I was doing so well...all of your beautiful comments brought tears to my eyes! Thank you.