You’d think I would have this all down pat by now. No, not how to write a Top Comments diary, I’ve got that one figured out by now (notice I didn’t say write a GOOD diary, LOL). How to make it through K1’s Return To College next week without getting all teary-eyed. Grab me with a cup of something comforting, and hop across our nightly reminder of how to send us your best comment nominations…
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It turns out I haven’t written as much about this as I though I had… this one and this other one when K1 started college in 2016, and then one the following year. As she starts (breathe deep, everyone who’s known K1 through my writings since she was a wee one in elementary school!) her Senior year, it turns out that while it’s more ‘routine’, it’s also different but no less easy.
K1 will be living off-campus this year for the first time, sharing a house with four other people. In what has to be high on my list of I Never Saw This Coming, one of those people is the daughter of a friend I’ve known since 7th grade, and who was the other person from my high school graduating class who attended the same University as I. Who lived in the same dorm as I for two years, and who is employed there even today. Neither Mr. Brillig or I lived off-campus until after we graduated, so she’s in uncharted waters for our family!
Her partner, who some of you met at Netroots Nation this year, will be driving back with us. K1 and partner have been together most of the summer, spending time with each set of parents. It gave us practice with what will happen next year… no more coming home for the summer, because she’ll be graduated and if all goes according to plan, beginning graduate school.
Yes, we’ve grown accustomed to what the rhythms of our household look like with just three of us at home, but that too will be changing as (you may want to sit down for this) that little boy who came home with us in 2009 starts his first year of high school.
My social media feeds this past week have been full of friends whose kids are just beginning their college journeys. I co-admin a facebook group for parents of kids at K1’s university and am doing my best to help those first-time parents feel comfortable. I encourage them to step back and let their children step up in responsibility for their own lives, knowing you’ll be there for advice, support and unconditional love. The same is true for parents of kids who are choosing different paths, towards work, the military, or a time of discernment before making that next decision.
But I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that in the middle of all my optimism, smiles and readying the trusty minivan for its next 400 mile fully loaded trek, I wasn’t also a little bit sad that this was the last Summer Home From School and that the wheel of life turns just a little bit more next week. Think good thoughts for K1, her friends, and for all who begin or resume their journeys further into adulthood this fall.
But first, join us for tonight’s trio of Top Comments, Mojo and Pictures!
TOP COMMENTS
Brillig's ObDisclaimer: The decision to publish each nomination lies with the evening's Diarist and/or Comment Formatter. My evenings at the helm, I try reeeeallllyy hard to publish everything without regard to content. I really do, even when I disagree personally with any given nomination. "TopCommentness" lies in the eyes of the nominator and of you, the reader - I leave the decision to you. I do not publish self-nominations (ie your own comments) and if I ruled the world, we'd all build community, supporting and uplifting instead of tearing our fellow Kossacks down. Please remember that comment inclusion in Top Comments does not constitute support or endorsement by diarist, formatter, Top Comments writers or DailyKos. Questions, complaints or comments? Contact brillig.
Highlighted by ohcrap:
This excellent comment by ontheleftcoast, in Joan McCarter’s Largest doctors' group leaves anti-Medicare for All coalition.
From yours truly, brillig:
In Jessica Sutherland‘s Pennsylvania union leaders reveal Shell employees who skipped Trump rally lost hundreds in income, MarcKyle64 responds to Toro Blanco’s comment, but my nod goes to Witgren for this lovely gem that came in just after last night’s TC diary time!
TOP MOJO
Top Mojo for yesterday, August 16th 2019, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on FAQing Top Mojo.
TOP PICTURES
Top Pictures for yesterday, August 16th 2019. Click any picture to be taken to the full comment or picture. Thank you jotter!