She's Gone

Number one daughter has flown the coop, gone to college yesterday. My parents are driving her out at a leisurely place. The last time I drove her across the country, it was me driving all six kids, plus one cousin, and we went in solid 4 to 5 hour blocks, not stopping, no dawdling, let's hurry up and get there fashion. I hope she is having a nice trip.

Advice to new college freshmen;

Be brave. Introduce yourself to everyone you meet. They don't know anyone either.

Invite people to go with you whenever you go anywhere. Never go anywhere alone, unless alone-time is your goal. They probably don't know anything about campus either, and will welcome the chance to explore with someone who is brave.

Be careful. The world is full of idiots and meanies. So, give folks a chance to prove themselves , but don't give them a chance to use or hurt you.

If you ever need anything, call me or your Mom, and we will tell you how you can get along without it (stolen directly from Coach Slutsky's excellent speech).

Find things you love, and make them a part of your days. The spot where you can see the sunset, or hear a brook, or nap under a tree, or listen to the orchestra practice, or observe new art installations, or smell donuts. The world is beautiful, and there are rare and wonderful things everywhere. Find those things that move you, and make sure you have the chance to be moved.

Find ways to have peace. Most of the day, you will be surrounded by humanity, which is great, but you need to have time revel in the stillness, too. There's surely a spot you can hike to, a classroom that is empty, a balcony that's rarely trod.

Write. In a journal, email, blog. Write it down. You will never regret having made a record of what you saw today, will see tomorrow.

Don't ever let guilt be a motivator. If someone tries to make you feel guilty to get you to do something, they are dysfunctional, run away from them! Guilt should motivate you to do one thing; repent. So, if the thing you are being urged to do out of guilt is not repentance, trust me, you're better off without.

Ask good questions. I know I taught you how to do this. People love to answer good questions.

Be aggressive. Say no, especially if you are not sure what the answer is.

Be curious. Discover things. Find the nooks and crannies.

Remember how much you are loved, how beautiful you are.

Be deliberate. If you like to snack, then buy snacks in the big bag and take them with you. Don't be one of those dumb college kids who spends $10 a day at vending machines. That money is much better spent on video games or something...

Find who you want to be, and try to be that person everyday.

I love you, sweetie.