It’s been a busy couple of days for this gal of ours.
Friday night, we had an (early) celebration of her 22nd birthday.
After all the eating and gift-opening . . .
we went to the living room where Sarah had a lineup of raucous activities prepared for her wild party guests.
First, she played us a video of a young man who had been a musical guest at her retreat. I have never seen anyone play a hammered dulcimer before and was fascinated.
After the dulcimer performance, Sarah showed Steve and me all of the many pages of C.S. Lewis notes that the speaker had given out. It looked like the notes from a college course; very intensive!
She ended up the party activities by playing a 15-minute excerpt of a talk Lewis had given. We didn’t realize until she told us that there are very actually very few recordings available of C.S. Lewis’ voice. It was interesting to hear him speak, after reading his words for so many years.
As I sat on the couch to listen with Sarah, Steve and Summer snuggled in beside me, it occurred to me that we were probably in the middle of one of the more unusual 22-year old birthday parties that has ever been held. But the birthday girl was happy and the birthday girl’s doggie was happy and the birthday girl’s parents were happy so that’s three happies. Happy, happy, happy!
She made sure to get in a little extra time before she left with the aforementioned doggie. They are going to miss each other.
Saturday was all about packing up her stuff and washing the car.
You can just hear them saying, “Ta-da!”
Showing off that Regent sticker.
When she pulled out yesterday afternoon (about an hour ahead of us) I couldn’t help but think of this post where I referred to the fact that she’s had a slightly “longer runway” than Nathan. The driveway reminded me of a runway and I got teary-eyed all over again.
(Speaking of old posts, this is the post I wrote last year about the special person she saw on her first day of school. It’s one of my favorite posts ever.)
Steve and I gave her an hour’s head start so that she could arrive at college on her own. (And also, so that we could grab a quick post-church nap.)
We eventually arrived with her pink office chair in tow–the only thing she couldn’t fit in her own car.
Her room was still in a work in progress, as all college dorms are during the first couple of days.
She was able to somehow get her top bunk made. Good thing she is young and flexible and can scramble up and down a ladder.
We got to meet her new college roommates who were both personable young ladies. (The two girls she roomed with last year moved to off campus housing.)
The theme on her hallway had to do with skiing so this is what the names outside each door looks like. So creative! (I whited out last names for privacy.)
Steve, being a long time lover of skier, was quite entranced by the vintage ski accoutrements hung around the hall.
After seeing her room we took ourselves off to Burger King (Chick-fil-A, sadly, was closed) and had a quick dinner together.
And then it was time, once again, to say our goodbyes.
I didn’t cry right then but a few minutes later, in the car, I had a good ol’ mama meltdown as I thought of that sweet girl disappearing over the bridge into the newest chapter of her adulthood.
Sarah Seasons behind us.
Sarah Seasons ahead of us.
We have no idea what those seasons ahead will hold.
But we can look at the Sarah Seasons behind . . .
and know that she has already earned the diploma that really matters.
She got the You Get A Second Chance at Life Diploma.
She got the diploma that gave her the precious privilege of setting off into all the Sarah Seasons to come.
I know how you feel saying good-bye, I just spent 2 weeks in Kansas with my son and when we left to drive back to NC, I cried my eyes out……but he’s happy there so helps a bit…..
Dale,
Those mama tears . . . I understand them well. But as you said, if you leave behind a child who is happy where he/she is, it makes all the difference.
Glad you got to spend these special two weeks with him.
Good luck to Sarah in this year of college!
My niece’s first day of first year was SUPPOSED to be today. However, the two water towers in the town in Nebraska where her college is located were drained due to a leak somewhere. The school brought in port-a-potties and gave out bottled water. Not sure how they are cooking for them as the city warned against even boiling water and using for consumption. All classes were canceled for today. She was able to take a shower this morning before the water pressure dropped and it was back to the port-a-potties. They’re not sure when when students will have water back completely. I told her mom that this would be something she can tell her grandkids about.
Phyllis,
Oh my. I feel bad for the administrators of that college who have to deal with all those problems at the very beginning of the year! Sounds like they have a good plan in place and will hopefully have the leak fixed and “regular college” starting up very, very soon.
You’re right. It WILL make a great story!
Sarah, you are one precious young woman. I so enjoyed listening to the young man play the dulcimer. In Branson I have heard someone play, but this was really special. Am wondering about the birthday hat – it’s been around for quite a number of years. How does it continue to hold together?
Sheryn,
Wasn’t that absolutely amazing music? Especially the way it was set in the woods–that was just the crowning touch.
I think the hat stays in such good shape because it has never been washed and just sits in a drawer all year around. It still looks almost new and it’s 16 years old!
Sarah, have a wonderful year at school. I believe this is your last year?
Becky, always so bittersweet. Such a glorious future for her to look forward to. You both take such good care of her, in every way, and it shows. She has sturdy wings now.
Lesley,
Since Sarah switched majors halfway through last year, she is going to have to add some extra schooling on at the end.
I love the sturdy wings analogy. My girl has many miles of sky to cover.
Happy (early) birthday Sarah! I hope the school year goes really well for you and that you have a lot of fun and make some really great memories with your new roommates. 🙂
Even after all these years, Becky, I STILL get teary-eyed when my kids (ages 33 and 31!) leave. I don’t think that is something that will ever change. If I didn’t love them so much, it might be easier, eh? Thank goodness for cell phones and social media! 🙂
LeeAnne,
Yes, there is just something about a child of ours walking out the door that turns on the waterworks. Like you said, if we didn’t love them so much the tears wouldn’t happen so I guess it’s a GOOD thing! Just needs lots of Kleenex.
So happy the birthday celebration was a hit! Sarah looks so happy and I hope she will have a great year this year. It has been awesome watching her grow up and become a beautiful young lady. Take care as you and Steve get back in your routine of “empty nest” once again. Love and hugs!
Ann,
It DOES take a little adjusting to get used to the empty nest all over again. I keep telling myself that at least she isn’t quite gone for good yet. We should have at least one more summer with her at home. (Of course, you never know. She might take off on some adventure next summer.)
Just glad to have her only 2 hours away.
Prayer continue for you, sweet lady!
Our baby is all “groany!”
Steve,
Let me explain to all the non-Southern readers that “all groany” means all grown up.
I love southernisms.
Sure loved hearing about the birthday celebration (sounded like the perfect party to me! :)), the c.s. Lewis stuff and the settling in at college once again. Sarah is certainly a veteran of all sorts of life seasons. What an incredible young lady she is!
Right there with you on the mom tears shed–so hard when those chicks come home for a while and then they up and leave again! I mean really! Sigh.
Love to you all!
Deb
Thanks, Deb. I know you understand so well, having a transitioning young adult of your own.
We’re proud of those kids of ours, aren’t we?