Today the littles and I, after a day of decorating, learning how to do new things, and organizing around the house, traveled up to a place I love and saw one of our favorite folks do something new too.
We went up for my Aub’s Washboard Band performance at Wesleyan College. She has played her guitar in public before, but this was her first time playing the cajon with a group. She did well, not that I was surprised, I guess, but it was good to see something come out of the year of percussion lessons way back during our first year of homeschooling when she was in the eighth grade.
I enjoyed every moment. The rewrite of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Wesleyan style, was hilarious and yet it rang so true. It reminded me of the stress and anxiety of this time of year for students. If you know one, especially a college student, hug them. And then feed them copious amounts of chocolate and put a fiver in their hands just in case they need a little more later. Bless them. My college student alone has two finals, a big paper, and a presentation all coming due in the next week, and she’s not even done attending classes, not to mention her job. And this is NORMAL for a college student.
Hug ’em, y’all. It’s hard.
They can do it and do it well, but when you’re in the midst of it, it can make you crazy and make you doubt yourself.
NOTE TO ALL MY COLLEGE FRIENDS: You’ve got this. Breathe. Go watch the sunset (which was fabulous tonight, by the way). I believe in you. And I’m here if you need a reminder of how wonderful you are and that this too shall pass. (And so will you, you’ve been working hard. Yeah, I’ve noticed.)
As we were leaving, we drove the long way to leave campus, and this stopped me in my tracks.
And made me smile. I love the geese. I mean, I always leave a respectable distance between them and me, but I do love them. Our Princess rolled down her window and wished them a Merry Christmas, which was–well, so her. Precious.
As we were about to leave, Princess asked out of the blue: “Mama, when you go here, is there a curfew or do you just have to put yourself to bed on your own?”
I laughed to myself. She is a special bird, and I love her for it. “No, you’re on your own.”
“Oh, okay, so you just go to bed by 9 pm, and it’s okay. Or maybe a little later as long as you get up for class the next morning?”
Oh me. Bless her.
I don’t think she’s quite ready for college yet. But that’s okay. She’s got years to go yet.
And I’m sure they will fly by.
Tonight I’m thankful for my alma mater, which isn’t too far away and always welcomes me with her beauty and laughter and sisterhood across the ages. When I saw one of Aub’s classmates–one whom I adore– heading into a final, I stopped my car at the same time that she did a double take. That’s what being a part of this community is about–and I love the young women who are a part of my girl’s posse. Her people. I am thankful for them. I am also thankful that Aub shares the journey with us, and that we were able to be there and hear her perform. I give thanks for the love our Princess has for Wesleyan, but I’m also glad it’s not quite time to send her off with suitcase and dorm fridge in hand. (And I’m thinking, where on earth did she get 9 p.m.? That girl is a NIGHT OWL in every sense of the word. Good gravy!)
Wishing you all a moment or twelve of peace in the midst of the chaos, no matter what your chaos might be. And if that can’t be found–chocolate. And lots of it.
Love to all.
I Might Need A Nap 