Eric goes to Snow College

 

Well, it finally happened!  Eric got packed up and dropped off at Snow College on Sat., August 18th.  It was a long, emotional, but happy, day.  We wanted to get going by 10:30, but Eric and his friends had other plans.

 

(and just a side note, Eric didn't start packing until Friday--the day before--and I hate to admit it, but he really DID have plenty of time)....Ugh!  Girls need so much longer....

 

 

At 8:30 in the morning, 3 of Eric's friends showed up to see him off.  Kevin Ponce, Kaycee Greef and Jayde Ford. 

 



They pretty much got Eric out of bed!  "Hi gguuuyyyyss..."

 



 

Eric had to talk to each person individually before we could go.  So on our front lawn, each friend waited for their turn to hear wonderful parting words of wisdom from Eric.  Kevin was first.

 



 

Kaycee and Jayde waiting their turn....Oh, and Jayde got a cheesecake from Eric...aahhh, sweet.

 



 

Kaycee was next, but for some reason, I didn't snap a picture.  I think it's because I was saying, "Hey Eric, we've got to go.  Say your goodbye's and let's get out of here."  It was approaching 11:30 after all.  Except I'm sure I said it much more nicely and friendly....pretty sure.... :)

 

 

Jayde was last.  It was very heart-felt....well, it looked heart-felt.  I really wish I could have heard what they were saying!  :) 

 



 

Serious conversations going on....

 



 

 

At 11:30, we put our foot down and told Eric we needed to go.  His friends watched us drive off.  It was very sweet.

 



When we arrived in Ephraim, and finally found Eric's apartment, this is what we found on the door.  All of his roommates names were on the flower....how clever! 

 

 

But before we could unpack all of Eric's stuff in his room, we had to get some other things done first. We got Eric's student ID card, helped him set up a PO box, and purchased his books at the bookstore, which by the way, was a whopping $400 (and some of those books were rented). Crazy! And a few days later, he realized he had to return one of the books, and get another one, which added another $50! (I guess I'll stop complaining about the jr high/sr high school fees...I'd much rather pay those).

 

After we returned from all the errands, we went back to Eric's apartment and helped him unpack and get settled.  Here are a few pics of what his apartment looks like...

 

When you open the door, the kitchen is first.

 

On the left of the kitchen are 2 bedrooms and a bathroom....on the right, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.  There are 8 people in all, 2 of which have their own bedrooms.

 

And here is Eric's room (well, his side of the room, anyway).  As you can see, we were still unpacking....

 

And here it is, all put together.  It was so quiet there, I almost wanted to stay myself....

 



 

And then it was finally time to say goodbye....well, not goodbye, but see ya later!  Eric walked with us out to the car and was planning to meet a friend on campus.  As we drove off, he walked away all by himself....and sorry for the dramatics, but he looked so little and all alone in this big world as he went in one direction, and we drove off in another.  But as I watched him, he also looked determined and ready for this new adventure, with his head held high and his stride confident and secure.  A few seconds later, as we drove away, I glanced back and Eric was gone.  He had already walked out of our sight and it was a little sad. I didn't cry when we left.  I did feel a little sick to my stomach.  

 

 



 

And now on to the next stage of life....our oldest has left home and will be on his own.   People have told us that it will never be the same, now that we have one child out of the house, and that we are entering a new phase of raising our kids.  The first several days, I was the one who was "homesick" for Eric.  I felt unsettled and uneasy.  As we've knelt for family prayer and had FHE, and at the end of each day, said good night to each child, there has definitely been a void.  When we've locked the doors at night, and realized there are only 4 children here, there has been a strange feeling, like we're not complete anymore.  Eric has been missed and we have all felt it.

 

 But, I do feel a little better now.  And even though I miss Eric, I am so grateful that he has the opportunity to be able to be where he is.  I know that's where he should be and I'm thankful for that quiet assurance. 

 

Good luck Eric!  We love you!  

(we'll see you in a couple of weeks, right?)  :)