Taking the kid to college - a decade later

I've not been sleeping well - which has led to some interesting dreams. Sporadic sleep does that to me. Saturday morning I had a doozy! The subconscious mind is very cool.

It's been ten years since we sent our first born off to college. That's a traumatic thing for mommies, no? Not as much for me as for others it seemed. I knew Amy was ready to move past high school and was excited to take her on college visits. We went to Drake and Creighton, followed by my fave Iowa State University. Since Amy was interested in art/design, that school made the most sense - but we tried not to pressure her into that decision. She realized it was the best choice and that was that. Yay!

Not in my dream. I had dialed the up the wayback machine. It was 10 years ago and we were moving Amy into the SWCC dormitory. SWCC stands for Southwestern Community College - the very fine school in Creston. Perhaps it was the money thing...she was a very good student and it would have been very sensible for her to go there. #$0tuitionlaundryathome

In the dream, our friend, SWCC college president Barb Crittenden, was helping move Amy into the nice new dorm. The school didn't really have one of those back then (though they have a couple now). Barb was viewing the less than pristine conditions in the dorm room with a jaded eye. You go Barb! Krissy McFee was helping too - since she was also moving in there. Maybe they got a package deal.

It was a pleasant dream and I was sorry to awaken from it. I like to have random wacky dreams that  include my loved ones. It's like a little visit. When I did wake up I thought about Amy's choice to attend ISU instead of SWCC. Despite the added cost, it was a good decision for her (and later, her brother Jud who refused to even look anywhere else).

Amy with Greg, Jenna and Rachelle - college Halloween

Sure it was difficult leaving the cocoon of friendly Creston, where everyone knew their names. When Amy went to ISU, she had a random roommate, a girl from DSM. She didn't have much in common with her, but she made friends with others on her floor and is still bestest buds with them today. We get to see Jenna and Rachelle each time Amy returns to DSM. Amy sees another roomie, Allie, in Denver.

Love these guys!

Jud chose a friend from Creston to room with, but Steve moved into a fraternity house at the semester - so Jud was forced to meet other friends. I worried he would spent his time playing video games by himself, but he really came out of his shy shell and made lots of friends. We saw most of them a couple weeks ago at a football game - hugs all around. What a nice bunch! He met GF Kara there too.

Amy on vaca with the girls this summer

For our children, the ISU college experience - moving away from home, meeting new people,  learning a new way of life and not flunking out was priceless. Even if it did cost more than SWCC. I know it's not that way for everyone. It sure worked for Amy and Jud.

At roomie Pat's wedding with Logan and Pete (and Kara of course)

Just like Paul and me, our kids met lifelong friends at school. People they share their problems and dreams with. Living in the dorms (and not in an apartment with people from your hometown) is scary. Yep, you can get a stinker of a roommate. But later in life this can help you deal with a stinker of a workmate. And you can change roommates - they're not permanent!

I don't claim that this type of college experience is for everyone. But it worked for our family. And we've got the benefit of great friends from it. Dream on!

Throwback picks - from our college years.

Me in the back - visor, between the 2 Janes, Vic in front. Saw Cindy Nutt - front middle recently

Paul will be pheasant hunting with Tom (on right) soon. We still near from Brad (on left)