Frosh Week

Well, it appears I have neglected this site for a couple of months now.  It was a crazy busy summer. 

We hosted our annual Canada Day party again which was a huge success.  We set off lots of fireworks and released several Chinese lanterns into the sky, much to the delight of everyone.  We celebrated Dan's 14th Birthday, attended the U2 Concert in Moncton along with 90,000 other fans, celebrated Cheryl's birthday with a nice dinner at the Pearl Cafe in Rustico, Dan & Vicki each went to Camp Seggie for a week, Andrew went parasaling, paid off his first semester of UPEI in cash, and succeeded in obtaining a $1000 UPEI entrance bursary.  We managed to get to the beach at least a dozen times, as well as getting to Magic Mountain with the kids, as well as Ripley's Believe it or Not museum.  We also spent the last week of the summer with Mark & Cathy & family at Caribou Island enjoying one of the nicest weeks of what was a pretty cold and wet summer.  The icing on the cake for the summer came when Dan found out that he received 2nd place in the Island Literary Contest for youth.  We got the call the night before school started which is a great way to start the school year.

But, September is here again and with it comes routine and organization again.  Vicki started Junior high this year, Dan is now in grade 9 and Andrew just finished Frosh week at UPEI.  Just thinking about Frosh Week brings back a flood of memories for me.  I remember it as if it was yesterday, when, in fact, it was exactly 20 years ago.  Meeting new friends, having new experiences, the independence and the sheer sense of freedom associated with university was overwhelming.  I totally re-invented myself at university, not being constrained by pre-conceived ideas coming from a small town where "everybody knows everybody". 

I wish and hope that Andrew has this same type of experience, albeit in his own style.  I think that living at home for this first year will save him lots of money, but deep down I fear that he will miss out on some of the "non-academic" social activities.  Although, to be fair, he was very active during Frosh week.  I always said of my university experience that I learned more outside of class than inside. 

I am finding it difficult to let go of Andrew while he still lives at home.  There is something to be said for the "clean break" when a child leaves home for university.  It's tough, but it is a transition time.  I remember all the stupid things that I did during that time and thank god that my parents were not there to see it.  I am sure Andrew will make his mistakes, but it is difficult to watch quietly from the sidelines without commenting.  I want only the best for him, but understand that he needs to make his own decisions and "find himself".  I just hope that he gets through without too many scars and bruises.