Saturday, August 15, 2009

The RunDown

Summer is over as we know it around these parts. Sister Sledge and J Smooth started back to school last week, both in new schools. On Friday Big Daddy and I delivered our son, Bama to the steps of the University of Alabama to continue his education. It is hard to believe I have a college student. Last Thursday was a rough day for me emotionally as I helped Bama to pack his belongings. I can't explain why, he and I were both ready for him to go off to college. I understand letting go. I do. It's natural and quite honestly it's time for him to spread his wings and be independent, experience the world and become a man. I have been preparing for this moment since his birth, a little over 19 years ago to the day (Bama turned 19 August 1). But at the same time it's a very unnerving experience. I just pray to God all that my husband and I have tried to teach him for the past 19 years has sunk in, especially since he is now "19 years of age" he thinks he knows it all.
In one ear out the other.
It was hard to lock my door Friday evening, knowing my son was out in the world.
It's hard to not pick up the phone and call to see what he is doing and who he is doing it with.
Yet, I want to give him some freedom and independence, but still I am his mother.
It's a transition phase for all in my family. But I know this is going to be one of the best experiences of his life. He will grow and mature and hopefully mold himself to be someone who will be a fine contributor of our society.

Aside from Bama going to college, it has been a week of other celebrations.
I mentioned that Bama turned 19. Three days afterward, I turned 39.

My friend High Mae teased me, welcoming me to the World of Women "over the hill". She said there would be a ceremony in which I would receive my crown. I embrace it, heck, I have earned it and am proud to be a part of such an elite club!

There was a big celebration on Sunday. Sweet Peg turned ninety years old.

Peg is Big Daddy's grandmother, who I have often discussed. She has dementia/Alzheimer's, as well as cancer and other disabilitating health problems that continues to make living for her difficult. The blessing in this is that she can remember her family, though she cannot recall what she had for lunch, as soon as she puts her fork down. She did not know it was her birthday and was surprised at her family showing up at the nursing home. Considering a month ago hospice called us in to bid her goodbye, today was a blessing. Her only living sibling (out of nine) drove up from south Florida, and her niece came in from Connecticut to be a part of the day. Seeing her surrounded by her loved ones was a gift in and of itself.

I almost feel as though she held out for her birthday and now, what ever happens...happens. She will be ready for it. It really was a beautiful day. A week of celebration.

Now that my children are back in school, I can be more of a contributor to my blog. And yours. I feel I have been so neglectful lately. But now, I am back and hope to be back in the swing of things. Back in the saddle again! I want to take the time to thank you for dropping by. Your comments mean alot to me, that someone would take time....its so kind and for that I am so grateful. So today, I plan to play catch up on my reading and responses.

Before I go though, I wanted to point out my friend Dawn's blog for one of the craftiest, thriftiest, coolest, beachingist (yes I am making up words for it) luau you have ever seen!

I hope you have a great week! Leave me a "roadmap" (aka comment) so I can head to your place!

19 comments:

Kristin - The Goat said...

Conrats to your son - He's got a whole new world to see now doesn't he?! I was still 17 when I went off to college. I turned 18 two months later. I was soooo young. Whew. I think you've given me something to blog about! lol

I love that so many people came for the birthday party for Peg - how lovely.

You have had a very busy summer!
Love to you - Kristin

Ally's Corner said...

Your son is very cute, I wish him the best, college life so fun.

Ally

Mari said...

Happy Birthdays all around! TO Bama, you and Peg. How wonderful that you could celebrate with her!

Dawn said...

Awe, your so sweet. Thanks for the link you young thing. I got ya beat by 5 years!

Bama looks like a capeable young man. I'm sure he'll do great. It's so wonderful the whole family got together with Pam for her birthday!

My youngest is supposed to start high school this morning. She has developmental disabilities and is PMSing so it's high anxiety around here right now. Don't know if I'll be able to get her there. I'm hiding out in the office for a few minutes hoping she'll calm down.

Wish me luck!
Dawn

jennypilgrim said...

I know exactly how you feel. I was your age when I deposited my daughter on the steps of Tutwiler Dorm at the University of Alabama and left her. It was the hardest thing I had ever done. I just knew she would never stay, she had never been one to spend the night away from home. But of course, she made a liar out of me! I am so proud of her as you will be Bama.

She is now an audiologist at Children's Hospital and the mother of 2 beautiful girls!

Someone once told me you are a successful parent when your children are independent and on their own. It sure didn't feel that way for a long time.

Hugs to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jenny Moon

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Happy Birthday to "Sweet Peg". It is great that she can still remember her family.
My daughter delivered my Granddaughter to college this weekend. 19 and ready to conquer the world - or so she thought. My Daughter said Granddaughter cried when everyone was ready to leave Sat. evening. So Daughter went back on Sun. with the pretense to help her do some shopping and such, and said she was doing much better. So glad I was not there!
Glenda

KBeau said...

Looks like you've had some good celebrations. 90 is a milestone. My MIL is 98 and still has her mind, which is a good thing.

My husband enjoyed his 15 years at Rust. With all of the names it became, he still calls it Rust. Larry was never laid off. He left a few years ago to go to work for Southern Company. Then Rust begged him to come back for a big project they had coming up. Well, that project got cancelled before it started. Larry stayed a while longer but could tell there just wasn't a lot of work, so he went back to Southern Company.

Most of the people he works with at Southern Company are old Rust employees. Would love to know your dad's name if you care to share.

Gwen said...

I have been in awe over Dawn's Luau for a while now. I need to pick up my jaw off the floor one of these days, but it looked so fun!

I remember my mom and dad dropping me off at college. It was hard to say goodbye, but was so exciting at the same time.

Happy birthday to Peg and Bama. I think that it is so great that so many people came to give her some love.

Anonymous said...

As we pass through this life, God gives us special ones we meet along the way....those that touch our lives and hearts with their presence and share their love. My precious grandson, Bama, and Peg are two that have touched me along this path.There have been so many.
Mama, everything will be alright with Bama.(But, it still hurts to let go.)
I thank God for 90 years for Peg's life....what a lovely lady. She has been such fun.
ILU,
Mom

KBeau said...

I don't know your dad, but Larry might. When he first went to Rust, there was a group called the Rust Wives Club. Problem was it wasn't open to all Rust wives. Seemed to be a group of wives of staff engineers. Larry was in the structural engineering department, so I couldn't be a member of Rust Wives. LOL! I used to think that was kind of strange.

Susan said...

Next week... pick a night and we'll meet for a margarita!

Susan B said...

Boy do I remember what you have experienced taking your Bama to college.. it is hard on a mama's heart to leave and not know they are under your roof at night... loved also what you said about he and you being ready for him to go.. I think God helps us mamas get to that point to recognize it is time--hard as it is.. I love reading your blog. keep us posted.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

I'm watching our "friends who had children first" (for lack of better way to describe!) send off their kids to college. Crazy! I feel like I was just in college myself. Where does the time go?!

And how wonderful you could spend the day with Peg. We lost Mr. Shore House's mom to complications from Alzheimer's a few weeks ago so I know how terrible is to watch someone you love being held hostage by the disease. What we would already give for one more birthday to blow out candles for with her.

More than ever lately I'm reminded of the words by the musician Warren Zevon as he was battling cancer...Enjoy every sandwhich. So true.

Denise said...

Congrats to you and your son! Heading off to college is such a big deal!

XXDenise

susan said...

Sending them off to college is hard even when you are both ready and grateful for the oppportunity. We just have to trust that they have been listening for the last 19 years and pray. Oh yeah, it's even harder the first time they come home for an extended break. Once they get that taste of freedom, they think they are all grown up! Good luck !

Justabeachkat said...

Congrats to your very handsome son. I see you're a busy busy girl too. We're lucky though that our lives are so full, right?! And Happy Birthday to you! What sweet photos from Peg's party! She might not remember the day, but what memories for the rest of you!

Thanks for your friendship.

Hugs!
Kat

"J" said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh wow!!!! I know you were sad to see Bama go!!!!! To think back to the day I left for college?!?!? I didn't really think much about it...lol!!! I didn't take into consideration my mom's feelings...lol...I was just ready to be FREE!!!!! Be out on my own!!! =) Bama will prob be home more that you know it!!! =) He will miss the WONDERFUL mom you are!!!

j said...

"It was hard to lock my door Friday evening, knowing my son was out in the world." That sentence put a lump in my throat and made me thankful for keys.

I read this post in my reader and didn't comment at the time (busy-ish here too). I'm sorry I am SO BELATED in giving you Happy Birthday well wishes. I hope that it was a good day (although it seems to have been an emotional time). Happy Birthday to you, Bama, and Peg. May God give all of you favor and blessing!

butterflygirl said...

Sending belated birthday wishes. A son in college...I'm only 2 1/2 years behind you and I couldn't imagine.