[karen z]

Hi Linn,
Your son's experience is pretty common. I know that I initially called my mom every day (no texting back in the day) and talked to her because I was so lonely and miserable. AND......I was less an hour away from home in Ohio and had an older brother who was already at the school. This went on for awhile until I met the woman (really girl back then) that ended up being my best friend (a chance meeting while both of us were waiting to get into the showers in the dorm "communal" bathroom). Having just one good friend made all the difference in the world. Once your son gets some structure (it sounds like he is now starting to get it) with regular work outs and practices, he will feel better. And he will start to make friends and feel like he really belongs and can contribute. Both of our kids are quite lucky in that their schools are not massive like mine was. They will have an easier time meeting people to hang out with. The scholarship for your son is simply awesome. This is quite a chance for him at a very very good highly ranked national school. And he is right. He will feel very proud showing you around when you get to the campus. Yes, I think we love our kids very much. Honestly, I am so happy and excited for my daughter but simply dreading the days when she will not be living at home and will be so many hours from home. Our worlds will certainly change quite a lot but we need to try and stay positive for them (like the airplane message says......put the oxygen mask on yourself and then your child.......so you can truly help your child). I am trying hard to focus on that now. My daughter plans on majoring in psychology (like both parents!) and "pairing" it (OWU's term) with pre-law.