17/08/2025
The joy, excitement, anxiety, sadness, and grief that is experienced as a parent dropping off your freshman at college is such a unique and confusing combination of emotions. One minute you are so excited for them and their future. The next minute you are feeling a lump in your throat realizing they aren’t driving home with you. The moments in between, you are stock piling cleaning supplies in their room that you are fully aware they will likely never use. Suddenly, you have ten minutes to say goodbye and you want to scream, cry, and vomit. I am so grateful that my husband was there with a toolbox, smile, and big hugs. I couldn’t have made the 4 hour drive home.
What brought me peace was knowing in my heart that he is ready and exactly where he should be. I have been praying so hard for the past year that God would show us where Gabe needed to be. The closing Mass on moving day was the confirmation that I needed. This choice was divinely guided.
This kid… .schmitt is completely ready for his next chapter at Xavier University. I know he will be successful. I have no doubt he will make amazing friendships. I cannot wait to see the young man he continues to become as he “locks in.” I am full of pride and joy and accepting that sadness and grief as a mother also gets to be part of these emotions.
