Today, we moved Jayden, our only son, into his dorm at University of Houston (UH).
It’s a very different time for this new chapter in his life, and in ours. This experience will forever change his life, and mine. I mean, who is going to eat our leftovers and who is going to take out the trash? 🤨🤔😂
Because of all the uncertainties with COVID, we didn’t know if they’d actually be opening campus or not and so we really procrastinated on buying things. Last weekend we finally started to purchase some items he needed and it all finally started to set in. As the pile grew, the more realistic it became. We ordered his architecture supplies (500 friggen dollars worth) and picked up all the necessities.
Each time we talked about him leaving for college, Taryn would get so sad. These two are close, they've always been sidekicks. As I comfort her, and she comforts me without even knowing, I ask myself, have I prepared him for being away? Have I done enough? Taught him enough? Prayed enough? Listened enough?
UH would only allow two people to move him in and so Jayden had to say his goodbyes to Taryn and a Lauren (his girlfriend) this morning. It was tough as expected. Even though he's only down the road (45 minutes no traffic), it's still hard. It's going to be an adjustment for Taryn to be the only kiddo at home.
Jeff rode with Jayden and I drove separately. I held strong until I turned my music on. There were a couple of songs that I listened to daily, when we were walking through a hard time, and one of these songs came on. I completely lost it. I had a good cry for about 5 minutes and then I was good once again. You know, God knows! He knows when to play the songs you need to hear. He knew I needed to hear this particular song as it always gives me so much reassurance.
We got to campus a little before 9 am, unloaded the cars into 2 big blue bins, and checked in. It was all so simple. It was also, so very empty. We didn’t see any other students or parents, just a handful of volunteers who checked us in and guided us on where to go.
We found his room and got everything unpacked and settled. He doesn’t have a roommate and only has one suite mate, who hasn’t moved in yet. The downside of no roommates is that there isn’t an immediate connection and “friend”. Hopefully the suite mate moves in soon!
We only had a two hour window, to unload and get him settled, and it was just enough time to get it all done. I was starting to feel a pit in my stomach, I didn’t really want to say goodbye but it was time. And then he said “well, I guess I’ll just come back home for a while”. Although I was ok with this, I really wanted him to meet people and walk around campus to find where everything is. You know, food, library, food, oh, did I mention food?! The thing is, there are not many people on campus, it was practically a ghost town. I could hear some people talking in the room across from him but didn’t see anyone. It was quite odd. I wasn’t expecting hundreds of people, as I knew they staggered the move-in days, but I thought we’d see someone!
He walked us to our car and even got in his car to come home for the afternoon when I decided to encourage him to find the cafeteria in hopes of meeting someone there. I also knew that Taryn will have a difficult time saying goodbye again so I want to avoid that if possible. That said, I also don’t want him sitting in his dorm room alone so would rather he’s home than there alone. Plus, we forgot the tv, and since there are no activities on campus, he’d really be bored in his room (although that’s not a bad thing sometimes).
He decided to stay and so we got out of our cars and gave him a big hug and said our goodbyes (knowing we’ll likely see him later, or tomorrow, or this weekend).
As Jeff drove away, I took a deep breath and I knew I was going to be ok but more importantly, I know Jayden is going to be ok too.
We have been preparing him for this moment for 19 years. We have raised him up in the way we want him to go, we’ve taught him right from wrong and although he’s like every human and makes mistakes he’s one of the best kids I know. We have done our best to instill in him the principles we believe to be truth. Have we always been perfect? Nope. Has he made mistakes and departed from our teaching? Yep. Each time we have picked up from where we fell and we have moved forward with God leading our path.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18
As we are just a few days away from taking you to college, I wanted to share my heart with you.
Where have the years gone?? A bittersweet day for sure. For the past 19 years, it’s been my job to protect you. The time has come… A brand new chapter in your life, a new experience for you. I’m going to miss you, a lot, but I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for you. You are going to have an incredible year at UH. You’ll experience new things and meet new friends who will become your lifelong friends. You’ll have times of joy and laughter and times of sadness and sorrow. Through each experience; the good, the bad and the ugly, remember to praise Him. Praise HIM!! Praise Him through each happy moment and through each storm. He will guide your path and He will always be with you.
As I drive away and you feel the sense of independence, there is something I want you to remember. As my only son, and a great one at that, I am so proud of the person you are. Independence is a great thing but it can also be scary. Be careful. Guard your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Don’t be afraid to call and ask us for guidance. Always remember the principles we’ve instilled in you. Make good choices. Learn from your mistakes. Study hard. Have fun!
When you miss me, and I know you will, call me! Text me! FaceTime me! Seriously, anytime of the day or night, if you need anything please do NOT hesitate to reach out to us. You are never too grown or too old to need your Mom. Yes, I said it. Mom. M-O-M, Mom.
You are an incredibly strong and smart young man with a big heart. You are a blessing to me, our family, and so many others. I Love You Jayden!
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