When SBC was born, he was 12 days overdue and even after a double dose of Pitocin, he wasn't interested in coming out. To this day, he remains a homebody.When he was a toddler, he almost drowned after I accidently locked him in the bathroom with the water running while he was sitting in the tub. (He told me years later - when he could talk - that "the angels told him that if he kept looking up, he'd be okay.") Today, he's not sure what he believes about God.
When we went for Parent-Teacher Conferences in elementary school, the teacher always cried. When we went to Parent-Teacher Conferences in high school, I was the one who cried.
"What will become of this child?" I wondered.
It could have gone either way.
When he got into college way back in December 2007, we were not surprised. We stopped worrying a little. I, for one, didn't think I'd miss him much. He's so quiet that things won't feel so different, probably.
I was wrong.
SBC goes to college this morning and my heart is heavy. He is a lovely, sweet, smart, sensitive guy. But there is so much I haven't taught him because, through the years, he sometimes seemed overwhelmed by the most basic practical tasks. He reminded me yesterday that he has no idea what to do with Clorox. For the record, he also doesn't know how to grill steaks, make a pitcher of iced tea, or sew on a button. But he's writing a book.
Today he goes to college. And maybe he'll major in English or history or linguistics or political science. Or maybe not.
If Facebook photos are to be trusted, his roommate looks like a violinist who enjoys beer. SBC is a writer who enjoys Hardball. This should be interesting.
Maybe, as I leave our boy in Williamsburg, I won't drown if I just keep looking up.
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10 comments:
I don't know if it will make you feel any better Jan, but I still don't know how to sew on a button.
It took me two or three loads of laundry before I learned I didn't need THAT much bleach (I actually partially disintegrated some of my white shirts in the first load).
I think with a wonderfully supportive, patient mother not too far away...SBC will do great. =)
He sounds like someone I know well- 10 years younger. Let me know when you want to start on your garden. The weather is perfect! -Joan
I hear you.
Blessings on your day - from the first letting go of the umbilical cord, we begin the task of encouraging our children to find their own ways - their ways, not ours. Kind of like "thy will, not my will." Hard work, indeed. Thanks for writing about it - helps me connect with my own thoughts/feelings about my "baby" who turned 21 last week and my oldest who is nearly 25. Peace to you and HH and TBC as you make the transition.
(((Jan)))
Oh, these necessary losses.....
Love you all.
That he ever heard the angels could never be a bad thing, and with a thoughtful mother like you, it will always be a good thing. God's peace be with you both in your new lives away from one another.
He's a wonderful guy with terrific parents. Can't believe that the kid who colored on the wall at South Austin Grill all those years ago is off to college. Just tell him to stay away from coconut, since it's his "anti-totem!"
(((jan)))
Hi Jan,
I also took my SBC to college for the first time last week. Dind't think I was going to take it as hard as the first. Boy, was I wrong!
I've been looking up all week.
Lisa
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