We took Allison to school at Charleston Southern University last Saturday.  This time we knew what to take and we knew what we had to do in order to get her set up in the dorm.  It did not take us as long and we did not feel that we were under pressure.

I have been thinking about those parents that are taking their son or daughter away to school for the first time.  I remember how hard it was for me last year.   I thought that it would be easier this year because we now have experience.  Well, that was not the case.  It was just as hard to leave her this year.

I have now experienced another lesson for the first time.  You don’t ever get over being separated from your kids, no matter how many times you do it.  I knew that was true, I just thought that you would get better at controlling those emotions.  I now believe, based on my limited experience, that it will always be tough.

This is a place where it is a blessing to have E-mail and cell phones.  We have talked everyday this week and she is off to a good start.  We were able to work it out so that we do not go too long without seeing her, but it was easy to get used to having her home for the summer.

This is on my mind more than it used to be.  Andrew and his fiancé Jessica are getting married in less than nine months.  That seems like a long time but I am now confident that it will be here before we know it.  Time goes by so quickly!