My oldest son just left for sleepaway camp for the first time. Maggie is driving him all the way to Vermont, dropping him off, and coming back late tonight. It's for two weeks, with an option for four if he really likes it. Maggie and I both think he'll like it, but he'll want to come home.
He was so excited. So nervous. So big and tall and gorgeous and strong and at once ready to head out on his own and clearly wanting to stay here where things are known and safe.
His mother is trying not to lose it, which is decidedly cute.
Last night, he said to me: "Hey, Dad? Remember a few years ago when I said that I was never, ever going to sleepaway camp? I didn't count on growing up."
We never do, do we?
I just started crying. I have to stop writing.
Love to all.
6 comments:
What's even worse is wanting so badly to grow up, only to realize how great it was to be a kid. Hope he has a great time, but not so great that he stays the extra two weeks.
Wow, we've just started day camp for the first time this year, and it is hard enough--I can't imagine sleep-away camp! Hope it goes well for you all.
I do not know nobody (wow, double negatives in a sentence!) but I agree with what he/she says.
I guess I have a few more years till my little girl goes to camp, but I still shudder...
Man, I had a hard enough time with my Okapis going to day-camp for three hours a day. I am definitely not ready for sleepover camp.
Parenting is the most contradictory process I've ever been involved with - we love and care for our children who desperately need us when they are little...so they won't need us as much as they grow up. Each success is both a time of pride and sadness.
This is one of the many things to come over the years for me that I am not looking forward to.
Regarding growing up and what your son said you words of "We never do, do we?", really hit.
Chin up - as parents God's given us the strength to make it through all of the growing up heartaches.
I hope he had fun.
Oh boy.
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