Launched

Eric is launched! It is with relief, I can say he successfully launched. Last week was so hard. I felt like I was slogging through just trying to get through. I was consumed with fear. His being home was my safety net. I knew that while I work my two jobs, Joe was safe and cared for. Yet, I also knew I was keeping Eric from having the normal life. He became consumed with video games and stopped hanging out with friends. He was not motivated to get a part time job or full time job. He was too concerned with the safety of his dad.

His leaving this weekend is the greatest growth opportunity for him. He was so excited to pack and get ready for school. He wanted to go through what to bring and what to have. He wanted to get it all right.

Friday we packed the car and drove to the school. On campus he was shown where to get his ID, he went through three check stations to get into the dorm. We loaded up the laundry cart and the dolly and we moved his stuff in. He started getting really nervous at this point. He started to realize how big this was and how his life was so much more than keeping an eye on dad and playing games.

We talked on Sunday and he wasn't sure what he should be doing. He is so not into communal showers. He likes his roommate but knows they won't be hanging in the same groups. But he is on his own.

Classes started yesterday. He called after to talk about them. He told me his is at the introductory part and they haven't gotten too far in. He is in that transition period that all college kids go through. He is in that time of being a quasi adult. It happened a year later than it would for most kids. He put his life on hold for his dad but now is his time. The advantage is he knows it. He is aware of life and how it doesn't always got he way you want it.

This week I am not slogging like last. This week I know he is launched and in the right place for him. He is still very concerned about his dad. He wants reassurances that dad will be fine. But that is my job. He needs to be able to live his life just like his sisters.