For those of you that have already been through it you know what I am talking about but I just got back from dropping my oldest son off at college. Tomorrow he starts his first day as a college student.

The ride home with just my wife and I was somewhat sentimental as we talked about how fast these 18 years have gone by, it hardly seems that long ago he started his first day of school and now we have to leave him behind to fend for himself without our guidance and protection, but that'* life I guess, now I know how my parents felt when I got on the plane to leave for boot camp.

For those of you just starting your families take the time to be part of their lives while you can because before you know it you'll be be giving your last hugs and saying you final goodbye as you watch them wave to you from your rear view mirror.

Gratz on getting one off to college.

Now when he'* out he can remember all of the things you've done for him and start to repay all of the love you have given him

Ahhhh....another chapter in the Story of LIfe closes... it'* difficult, that'* for sure. I'm sure you've given him the best guidance any parent could...it'* up to him to make the right decisions here-on out.

I found that my relationship with my parents got better when i went to school. MSU is only about 1:10 from home, but I didn't have a car my first year either. And you'll get sick of the calls on what to wash with what clothes, what to do if x happens, etc. You're there in his mind everytime he has to make a decision. Hell I make my bed more now, then i did in High School..

There was some tension, when i came back the first few times i had this whole "what are you doing with yourselves" thing. My parents have always been good with money (still are) but were never going out, gettting things they'd want etc. Now they have a bright red sports car, they visit with friends more, etc.

x2

I'll know how all this goes next month.....

I haven't gone to college for academic reasons yet, but I'm moving into my own place next month

Each milestone in your childrens life brings them a step closer to letting them go. I know when Jeff got his drivers license it was something hard for me to deal with. Then when he graduated high school I was so proud yet knew the day would come when he would leave the nest. Now that he is finished with college he is just waiting to go into management training with his company and he plans to move at that point to be closer to work. I dread it but I know it is inevitable. He is a fine young man and I know he will be successful in his career.

I know the feeling. Watching my son swear in, and then leave for, the Air Force was quite a sentimental day for me.