One More Thing

June 2, 2008, Monday
In the midst of trying to pack and get organized for moving to Poland, we had to attend freshman—excuse me, First Year Student—orientation at Truman for Elizabeth. This is so strange. It is something I’ve looked forward to for such a long time, possibly since I accompanied Jared, our oldest, to William Jewell College 10 years ago, and yet it is hard to believe we were actually there doing it. We’d even been talking about this exact date for almost a year! I was a little disappointed in the schedule they had for parents. It was several “classes” about “Sharing the Journey”, “Liberal Arts Education”, “Wings and Roots”. I went to some and went to lunch but I didn't go to all of them. I was suffering from a severe case of “been there, done that” or to quote Yogi Berra, “It’s déjà vu all over again!”

I had my computer with me to record my thoughts as the day progressed. I didn’t enjoy the first session. Some information was worth the time but most of it could have been in a handout and I would have been happy to read it. I skipped the second one. With no information other than the titles, I couldn’t choose between the two offered in that time slot! I need to email the Admissions department since they were in charge—I think! The lunch meeting was better. Although I don’t think they were adequately prepared for the number of parents. My salad was a bit skimpy for lack of lettuce. The question time was interesting and I did hear some good information. After lunch, I went to the first afternoon session. Again, give me the handout and please DON’T read the power point presentation to me! But, of course, that's what they did. I will say that the meeting gave me something to think about with regard to Elizabeth, finances, and whether or not she needs a car. Once Elizabeth finished her afternoon meetings, we headed for home. Overall, it was a very successful day. She seems to like the school more with every trip we make. I hope it continues after she starts classes.

Spending the day at Truman was great but we still have to continue with our travel preparations. We are dealing with several things as we prepare for this trip. All the obvious things; how do I pack for a year, how will I manage the language, will our son be OK as he handles both of his jobs and the house, and so on. Then, there are those other things, which seem to be multiplying, such as my last child going to college, Easel and I beginning our "empty nest", Easel's mother in the hospital with COPD, and a little health scare for me. The college thing was coming anyway and we've been preparing for that for a while. It's the same with the empty nest. Both of us are active and have many interests which will allow us to miss our children but not desperately. The health scare is resolved which just leaves concern for Easel's mother. At this point, we have to leave her in God's hands. Until we have more information, there is nothing we can do. Not a position that is very comfortable for either of us.