It's been ONE MONTH since I pulled out of the driveway on Jackson St, embarking on a road trip that would change my "normal" FOREVER. July 8th. The day I left Brian and the girls at home, stuffed Cole's truck full of his belongings, and headed south with him behind the wheel. He was leaving home, and I was helping him.
How did we get here? I had 17 hours to reflect on the journey. There were definitely a few speed bumps, a few roller-coasters, and a lot of smooth ground in 18 years. A lot of laughs, a lot of memories, and a few tears. All in all, I couldn't ask for anything better.
Cole drove most of the way. I think in an attempt to "prove" he could or probably more along the lines of he didn't trust me with his truck! We went to Louisiana to visit my grandmother on her 85th birthday before heading to Beaumont. What a treat to see them together.
As we pulled into Beaumont, Cole was a little nervous, but plenty excited. He was meeting his roommate Rex for the first time, and other players he had met online, but would soon be his new family. Traffic was tight, but his first order of business was to fight the traffic, exit and find a what-a-burger! Ah, Texas!
We pulled up to the Athletic complex around 4pm on July 9th, and Cole was beaming. The nerves were gone. He was in his element. That was the moment I knew, "this is right." We got our instructions, and headed to the dorm. His room was 24303. 2 - threes. and the storage closet at the end was 33. This is right.
We walk into his room, and Cole immediately states, "well this is less glamorous than the room they showed us." Light bells went off. I can make it as glamorous as you want, honey. After all, he was 17 hours from home, so this will be his new home -- even on weekends. :) I had 3 days and I was headed to Houston to see my mama! Great stores in Houston!
My new BFF Jill (Rex's mom) and I did a little shopping for the boys, cleaning and putting things away, and within 24 hours, they were set. Jill and I celebrated my 20 yr anniversary with Margaritas. The boys even joined us later (without the margaritas), though I think it was more about us paying then spending time with us! It was time to say goodbye to my LamarBFF. I will forever be grateful to her for raising the type of son I had prayed would be chosen to room with my son.
With Cole headed to class and me heading to Houston, I was excited for him to meet the gang and get settled in his new digs! I spent a glorious day with my mama, and she shared her activities and friends with me -- Bingo, Physical Therapy, Syd, Lou. It was at that moment as I listened to her introducing me to her nurses and friends, that I realized how proud she was of me and the depth of love she had for me. I knew because I felt the same for my child.
I had just a couple of minutes to budget shop around Houston, and WOW, did I find some great bargains. The following morning as Cole and Rex left for class, I went to work on their room. VOILA! HOME!!! Rex said, "we are sure to get all the chicks now." Well, that really wasn't what Jill and I had in mind.
I am counting the days until I see him. 17 days to be exact. I won't be so pitiful to tell you the hours and minutes, but I know! Brian gets to see him in 10. Am I jealous? You bet! However, I am trying to put on a pleasant face and those silly big girl panties everyone talks about.
We have conversed daily. It might just be a couple of texts, a quick phone call, or occasionally he has time to face time and I get to see that beautiful face. The bests are the unplanned, unsolicited calls and the random instagram posts where he publicly mentions that he misses us. I know he does. I miss him more, though.
What gets me through the heartache is the fact that my son loves football and he is getting to do what he loves to do! I am very thankful to Coach Woodard and Lamar University for giving Cole this opportunity. I am so proud of Cole's dedication to pursue what he loves through the hard work, long hours, slight homesickness and his lack of enjoyment of school. :) If you know my child, you know he isn't crazy about school. He started school on July 10 and he is going to class, doing his work, and getting good grades.
The girls have mentioned lately (a lot lately) that Cole is the favorite. I would tell you that I don't have favorites. I will admit life has been about him recently from his senior year, graduation, and his send-off Crawfish Boil and now to college football. They will have their time! I can't imagine the day I send them off in this cold world. I have 2 more years with Kerri and 4 with Kadi! Hopefully, they pick somewhere a bit closer, though I encourage them to chase their dreams.
I am excited to see what the new normal holds for the carleton crew with just 2 kids at home. Our first new normal trip is girls shopping and worlds of fun! Here's to enjoying the ride~~
