Now that I am about to be a sophomore in college, I have grown used to the idea of being two and a half hours away from my mom on a daily basis. This time around on move-in day, I will probably shed a few less tears, but it will still be difficult nonetheless.
My mom is my best friend. She is the only shoulder I want to cry on, the only one I want to run to when something good happens and the only person who fully understands me.
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However, when I moved two and a half hours away last August to go to St. Bonaventure University, my life wasn't as it used to be. Things were different, and when I walked through my dorm room door at the end of each day, my mom wasn't there to greet me and I couldn't ask her, "What's for dinner tonight?"
That was something I had to get used to.
I was forced to resort to phone calls. And let me tell you, I called her every day, sometimes even three or four times.
Every so often I had bad days, but those were always followed by even better days. And I quickly realized I was having the time of my life in college, but all this was happening without my mom by my side. I always made sure to tell her (almost) every part of my day, so it was as if she was spending it with me.
I started realizing how much I cherished her sarcastic remarks, contagious laugh and selfless personality that I had the pleasure of witnessing everyday until I left for school. Our late night talks in bed, and the early mornings when I would wake her up by bringing my dog into her room -- these were moments I was all taking for granted.
I never realized the true capacity of everything my mom did for me until I left for college. I no longer had dinner waiting for me every night, or a taxi driver at my beck and call whenever I needed to go somewhere. My mom has done everything for me, and she still does, but now I know what I took for granted before.
Part of going off to college is realizing that you can make it on your own. And although I often wish my mom was there to take out my garbage and make me food, I realized I could handle things on my own and it gave me a sense of independence I had never felt before.
Just like any transitioning college student, I was changing and sometimes my mom didn't like that I was growing up so fast and making many decisions on my own. I was her one and only child and she had grown so accustomed to me being basically the same person I had been for the past 18 years.
Both my mom and I had to learn to cope with the distance, and when we did see each other during breaks, it made it that much better.
We will all someday have to face being away from those closest to us -- whether it's our moms, dads, sisters, brothers, etc. But, it's up to you to make that relationship work no matter the distance.
My mom will always be my number one supporter, and I can't imagine my life without her. However, I've learned that it doesn't mean she always has to be visually present to be the most important part of my life.
This one's for you, Mom. Thank you for everything you do and know that you are appreciated, even if I don't always show my gratitude.
This is also for all those who are about face the difficulties of leaving their moms when going away to college.
You will get through this.
