joyfully speaking: Emma Jane to College

We are back from taking Emma Jane to college. She and I spent last week gathering her things, shopping for new things and eating lunch together. It was great fun, but I am now tired of shopping. Pops just rolls his eyes when I tell him this. He thinks I could shop forever. Obviously, he has never been on a shopping trip for swimsuits for all three daughters and myself. Shopping is now always fun (more on that later)

Our big red SUV rolled out of the driveway loaded down at seven in the morning headed for Furman University in Greenville, SC. We had a roof top carrier, a hitch haul, and the car loaded completely. We forgot to pack two items; the rainboots and the television. The girls think Pops left the TV on purpose because he said he didn't ever have a TV in college and college kids never watch TV anyway.

The move could not have happened more smoothly. We were greeted at the door of the dorm by girls eager to help unload Emma Jane's belongings. Pops and Elle were happy for the help since I am still walking with crutches. We hit a snafu when the cartop carrier refused to unlock. Handy Pops unscrewed the hinges with one of the many tools he brought to save the day.

Most people leave after they move their children into their rooms. Not so for us. We believe in getting to know everyone on campus before leaving our sweet baby there all alone. There were several parent and family events to be attended both Friday and Saturday. On Saturday Eliza Kate rolled into Greenville to help with the move. Using the word "Help" may be grossly exaggerated. Eliza Kate and Elle were completely at ease in Emma's room and immediately settled into the bed and got comfortable while Emma unpacked and rearranged the room, giving advice but not lifting a finger. Sisters to the core. The sisters were sweet enough to buy Emma Jane a fish because she could not take her cat Sookie with her. I call the fish George but have been told his name is Jorje (pronounced Hor-hay).

We met the President of the college, Emma's advisor, the cafeteria staff, and one of the librarians. Had we been there longer, we would have made a point to meet the maintenance staff and the cooks at the cafeteria. These are some of the most important people on campus. Treat these people with love and respect for they make life easier and more pleasant. President Smolla spoke to all parents on Friday afternoon and left not a dry eye. I was doing just fine until his speech. He left the students with the message that while at Furman, they would learn that life is "not all about you." Pops and I were pleased with that the university supports something we have been trying to teach our girls.

After leaving Emma Jane we went to downtown Greenville. We decided to use the wheelchair and have Pops, Eliza, and Elle alternate as pushers since I was not too keen on using the crutches for the ten or so blocks of downtown. The rides at Six Flags do not invoke as much fear as being pushed down the hill toward the Reedy River by Pops. He thinks he was providing me with a fun ride. We hit a bump one time that almost catapulted me out of the wheel chair and into the street. Perhaps wheelchairs should have seat belts quipped Eliza Kate. Perhaps you should watch where you are going I not so politely replied.

We visited Mast General Store where Eliza thought it would be fun to have me to get a feel for what it was like for her to go to the mall in a stroller and get lost in the clothing rack. She also enjoyed pointing out and laughing at all the clothes she says I would have totally worn 10 years ago when I was teaching. (Have I mentioned that she is 22 years old.) We have reached a different plateau in our Mother daughter relationship. Elle seems to be the most tenderhearted and compassionate wheelchair driver, although she is not much on stamina. I suppose she knows that since she is the only child at home, she better be nice to the one who feeds her.