My son has returned home from Virginia State University. Wow, I can’t believe he has two years down and just two more to go. That means we have two more
“home for summer”.
There’s a certain magic in the air when my college student returns home for the summer. It’s a time of reconnection, rediscovery, and relentless adventure as he trades textbooks for home life and dorm rooms for big comfy beds. Let’s dive into the whirlwind of excitement and nostalgia that awaits when my college student comes home for the summer.
The first sign of their impending arrival is a flurry of activity. Rental car is booked, and extra
suitcases are packed in the car to finalize packing up his dorm. As the days pass, anticipation hangs in the air like the scent of freshly baked cookies. I make sure I clear out his bedroom of any “storage” type items. I wash his bed linens, so they are fresh and clean for him. His brother vacuums the room to make sure it smells fresh and clean. It really is a big deal, him coming home for summer. We get to be a complete family again. Not saying we are incomplete when he is at school but there is a void in the house. We make that 2.5 hour ride, get to the dorm and pack up all the items he did not pack before we arrived. We clean up the dorm and turn in his keys.
And then, finally, he is home. The sound of their laughter fills the house, banishing the silence
that has lingered in his absence. Hugs are exchanged, stories are shared, and the joy of
reunion washes over everyone like a warm summer breeze. The Spencer’s are back together
again. I get to call his name and ask him to do the most random things for me. Why, just
because I can now that he is home. Oh, but he gets me back. He randomly comes into my
room just to jump on me and then walk out. In the moment I am annoyed because he just
jumped on me, but guess what? I secretly missed it, so its ok.
But the real adventure begins when the familiar routines of home collide with the newfound independence of the college student. Suddenly, curfews are a thing of the past, and late-night escapades become the stuff of legend. From impromptu road trips to midnight diner runs, every moment is an opportunity for spontaneous exploration. I remember my first summer home from college. Yes, I went to school close to home but that freedom I experienced being on campus was something I had to adjust to when I moved back home. I am trying to be understanding now that my son is back home because I was once in that situation but now, I see what my mom was saying to me. This is hard! I want to keep him in the bubble, but I must remember he is a young adult. Hearing someone walking up and down the stairs all hours of the night on the phone and interrupting my sleep can be a bit much. It’s not just about him having to make an adjustment its about me making an adjustment as well. I have to be a little open minded and realize that he still needs some of his independence he had at school. Pray for us as we navigate through this.
Of course, no summer at home would be complete without the infamous Spencer Game Night. Competition is at an all-time high when the Monopoly board comes out. Memories are made that will last a lifetime. It’s a time for us to reconnect with each other and share stories of triumph and tribulation, and to revel in the simple joys of togetherness. Let me not forget to talk about the heartbreak that happens when my college kid comes home. I miss him so much and expect the same from him. I want him to spend all the time with me, but it does not work like that. He sleeps the day away and wakes up to chat with friends. I just want more mommy and son time. Not saying he does not give me time, but I want more because I miss him. Oh and lets not forget about the grocery bill increase. HAHA he loves to say I am a starving student mom. His favorite thing is mom can you do my laundry. He loves to say, I been doing my laundry at school I just need a break. And guess what? I do it because I miss it! I love when he comes home.
Yet, amidst the changes, there is a sense of continuity. Home is not just a place; it’s a feeling, a sense of belonging that transcends distance and time. And as the summer days slip by like grains of sand through an hourglass, my college student treasures every moment, knowing that soon he will return to the halls of academia, armed with new memories and a renewed sense of purpose. We will pack him back up and drive him back to campus. A small tear will roll down my face as it always does because I will miss him being home with us. I will be reminded that I only have a few more summers with him before he moves out and into his own place. So, here’s to my college student’s summer sojourn, a whirlwind of adventure, nostalgia, and endless possibility. May each day be filled with laughter, each night with adventure, and each moment with the warmth of home. May we enjoy as much family time together as we possibly can.
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