Someone once said that new beginnings are gifts given to us by the Universe, and I think, they are also results of the conscious choices that one makes and the actions that one follows. Starting afresh and taking hold of the way life will unfold comes with many risks and opportunities. In many ways, therefore, that one big step can be very crucial to us!
As a family, this week marks a new chapter in our lives. Our son, Arjyo, who just finished high school recently, joins college in a new city—where I’m now based, for the next couple of days, to help him set up his new accommodation etc and settle in.
It has been a mixed week so far—and more than anything, it’s been all about coming to terms with the roller coaster of emotions, after dropping him off at the campus yesterday. It’s tough—way tougher than I could gauge, even though I’ve been bracing myself for this day for months now. Nothing really prepared me for it.
And so, I gave in to my emotions and let it all out last evening—until I ended up with a headache (thankfully, not a migraine!) but after a good night’s sleep and all that letting out, I was able to pull myself together this morning. It’s going to take us a while to get used to it—even though the husband and I are processing it very differently.
Right now, we are looking forward to meeting the sonny boy just one more time, over the weekend, before we catch our flight back home.
For this week’s edition, I’m sharing a tree shot that I grabbed yesterday, while on the campus tour with a group of eager parents. The gorgeous university campus, nestled in the lap of the Sahyadri ranges, with verdant green on all sides, was like a soothing balm to my sore eyes. It was reassuring to know that the kid gets to spend the next four years amidst so much natural beauty.
As parents, we hope that these precious college years give him plenty of opportunities to make new friends, enjoy exploring new avenues and interests, acquire new skills—and soar high enough so he can spread his wings far and wide.
Meanwhile, a new chapter begins for us, as we head back home and get on with our respective lives. Time to look back and time to look forward, as they say!
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Joining Parul today for Thursday Tree love—a photo feature, hosted on her blog, which she shares on the 2nd and the 4th Thursday of every month. If you’d like to see more tree photos, do hop over to the blog, where you will find more gorgeous tree pictures from all over the world.
Nothing can prepare us till we get used to the hard fact. Just a couple of years from now I will be in same boat, and trust me this post of yours is going to stay with me till I experience it in person.
Glad you shared a Bucida Tree or may be black olive I suppoose from the campus.
Life – Phases, Growth and Change we resist all yet we move with it. Hugs to you and best wishes to Arjyo.
Hugs to you and love the post and the tree. Thanks for sharing and joining, Esha. Such a piece that’s so close to you makes us all feel honored. <3
While we all know that our kids have to move out its very difficult emotionally when the time actually comes. This feeling is repeated in a different way when kids get married. Best wishes to Arjyo! The college campus looks great .
Reading your post Esha, was like getting a glimpse into my future.
‘Even though I’ve been bracing myself for this day for months now. Nothing really prepared me for it.’ This is what I’m so scared of even though all of this year I have been telling myself that the kids will be gone soon. It’s a tad overwhelming, right? To think that we may never get long uninterrupted days with them any longer? However, like we were talking the other day – one has to take comfort from the fact that they are happy and are doing what they love. That’s what makes all the heart-break worthwhile.
Meanwhile we have our communities, online and offline, to help us along. Sending you warmest hugs.
All I know is it must be really tough. Take care Esha. My daughter and my husband are on vacation in India for her summer holidays. Though I try hard not to panic, I’m only sane when I see her on video call. I am glad in every way that she’s having fun and all are there to care for her, but still these emotions are definitely exhausting me. Otherwise, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that’s always hoping she’s safe and still has a good time. For now, I can only give you my hugs and calm each other. Lovely tree that! Wishing your son a wonderful time at college!
Hugs, Esha! I can understand the emotional turmoil you must experience, but Arjyo is fine, he is going to be fine, and do very well! Bestest wishes to Arjyo, and love to you. <3
Hugs, Esha. I can imagine the emotional chaos that a mom goes through when her child goes off to college to start a new life. It’s something that we all must endure. All is well, Esha. Arjyo will thrive in the new environment.
All the best to you and Arjyo! 💗
I cried so hard after dropping my kids off at school. It’s so hard. Hugs to you! And remember, no matter how big or old they get, they always need their mommas!