new start

Last May, my oldest son graduated from college. Today, the next one started. It's another of those rituals that doesn't change much--on a warm (or hot!) autumn day, hefting various boxes, bags and small appliances up to the third floor, through aging hallways, without benefit of an elevator. At least this son took a moon chair instead of a full-frame futon! Other things don't change much, either--the shower stalls could use a little re-grouting (or a lot!) and have rusty pipes replaced; the wooden doors have lost their finish and developed character from decades of posters and notes taped to them; parents smile knowing and slightly nervous smiles. At the end, when it is past time for parents to leave, there are last hugs, a few tears, and then the new student turns around and steps into a new world with barely a look back. Way to go, kid--you'll do great!