This is the day I have dreaded ever since I became a mother.  This is the day my last child starts a new life as a college student.  

Actually, Caroline is going on a camping trip for several days with other Clemson freshman. The weeklong experience segues into moving day next week.

I woke up around 4 AM and started thinking about how different things will be in the Herlong household.  What am I going to do with both children at Clemson?  One friend told of the tear-stained tee shirt that still hangs in her closet! Oh, GREAT!

The back of my car looks like Clemson on caffeine.  It is a combination of shades of orange with a splash of pink.  I just got through spray-painting a desk lamp orange.  

I remembered my first day moving into the dorm at Columbia College.  I was the first of my family to attend college.  Actually, my brother did attend college for 6 weeks and we were happy he made it that far.

My “CC” room was too cute with lots of jewel-toned colors accented with denim.  I even stitched my name in decorative trim on the leg of an old pair of jeans. I cut off the pant leg and placed my name on the wall above my bed.  

As I reminisced about going to college, I started thinking how excited Caroline must be about her new adventure.  These are some of the greatest days of life!  You discover who you are and zero in on your talents and God-given gifts.

Weeping last for only a moment but joy cometh in the morning…..Can this apply to me, too?  

What is a mother to do at this early, AM hour?  I needed to sleep to be able to tackle the trip to Clemson.  So I flipped it around.  I decided to replace the tears on my pillow with a thankful heart.  I will be happy for this child.  Caroline worked hard and earned the right to become a Clemson Tiger.

I am thankful that Caroline is rooming with a wonderful, young lady from Edgefield, Anna Yarborough. Holmes will be a junior-ish (his new word) this year and will be watching over her.  This bullet may need some additional prayer!

It is what it is.  

I hope and pray all of our college-bond children will have a good, positive nudge out of the nest!  Okay, moms and dads like Thomas and me.  Let’s give them a big push and pray our children soar to greater heights.