Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Here Comes Goodbye...

Well, if you think I've vanished, it's because we've been neck deep in "heading-off-to-college-shopping-packing-visiting with every friend and family we know-saying goodbyes-having parties and such." I never thought that I'd not have the time to sit down here and put my thoughts into writing. TODAY is the day we load him up and take him to Birmingham. The students move into their dorms tomorrow morning at 8. And we'll return home tomorrow evening. Anyway, I have much to say, but no time to write b/c my day is already so crammed, but I'll be back this weekend to leave my reflections here. Let's just say it is a very happy-sad time. Tyler is beyond excited about what's ahead for him at Samford and we are too. He's so ready to fly out of this nest. We're so proud of the young man he is and is becoming. Closing this childhood chapter is hard b/c it's all I know with him, but it's so good at the same time b/c it's what we've worked toward and prayed for all these years. Now it's time to let go and watch him bloom. Well, I'll be back this weekend with pictures and thoughts to share. Please pray for us! We're on an exciting adventure! Love to all!

14 comments:

A Stone Gatherer said...

Oh do they have to grow up! I think I'll be a mess when my kids get ready for college and beyond! I'll be thinking of you this weekend! Chin up!

Amy Lafayett said...

Okay. . . now I am crying. Your baby is going to college and my baby starts kindergarten today!! But I remember when Tyler was kindergarten age. . . oh my, does it really all go by so quickly? I feel like it was only yesterday we were moving you into the house on Safety Harbor and babysitting on FL trips!

He will love college. You and Phillip have trained him well and he will continue to make you proud. I will be praying for you today. I remember vividly how sad I was when my parents left me at UT. Excited to go. . .but sad when I had to hug my mom bye! Love you, Rhonda!!

Lori said...

Hi Rhonda!
Just wanted you to know that I am praying for you today! I am sure it is a bittersweet feeling to say the least.

I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing about your experience. Please know our family will be praying for all of you!

Jesus said, "Remember, I am with you always, to the end of age." Matthew 28:20

Blessings to you and your sweet family,
Lori

Musings from Kim K. said...

Best wishes with this next journey. What a roller coaster of emotions you ALL will be going through over the next few days. Hugs!!

jennifer said...

Wow...I can't even imagine. I know it will be here before I know it, though. Have a great week! Can't wait to hear what you have to say when you get back.

Kim said...

You are in my thoughts... I truly know how you feel... I got Nick's first letter today.. I was crying before I read it.. it is amazing how in just 3 short weeks he has changed.. His letter was breathtaking.. MY baby is now growing into a MAN..
I LOVE IT.. but I am sad.. and sooo PROUD...
I am here if you need me..
LOVE YA..
Can't wait to see the photos of his dorm and the fun you will have helping him set up..

Jodee said...

What a bittersweet day for you. I can't wait to see pictures! Hang in there!

Jboo said...

Have gone through that twice and it's always hard and a little sad but happy too! Take care!

Janet

Jill said...

Um Rhonda....you promised us pics of last post..remember? LOL! JK! :)
I can only imagine the thoughts going through your head this week. You are right....it can only be described as bittersweet. I have been thinking about you (and Tyler) and will be praying for you.
Hugs, Jill

Kim said...

Oh ... I cannot imagine the roller coaster of emotions. I will be praying for each of you as parents, siblings and of course for Tyler as he begins this new chapter of his life. My His Presence rest upon you.
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
"The child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom beyond his years, and God placed his special favor upon him." Luke 2:40

Andrea said...

Blessings to you. My son actually looked into Samford. It looked like a beautiful place. Prayers for you as you take him to his new journey.

MECH said...

Thinking about you all! Love and Prayers!

Samantha said...

I can't imagine what you're going through. My oldest son turned 11 on the 19th. It's scary to think he'll be doing the same thing as Tyler in just a few years. I'm looking forward to reading all about how the move went. I have a good friend whose son is a fresman at Samford, also. He will be playing football there. Oh, thanks for your comment on my blog. Oki is a Korean name. My mother was Korean and our Oki is named for her.

Praying for you.

Kristin Gant Jordan said...

Hey Rhonda,

I have been quietly following your blog since you brought Macy Li home over a year ago. I have cried with you, laughed with you, and prayed with you, but as I read today... I decided I had to write and step out of the past and into the present. I cannot believe you have taken that incredible young, handsome, TALL, Godly, young man to Samford to start college. It seems like yesterday he was 3, NoNo was 1 and you guys came walking into my life through the door of a Mother's Day out class... of course Nolan never would have stayed had I not physically pulled him off of you and held him the entire day. It was there a special love was born for a special family that would never be broken. As I read yesterday... I cried and realized that just as I had some how blinked my eyes and your beautiful boys had grown up... that my sweet babies would do the same. You are so right, the days can seem so long sometimes but the years are just a flash and then another one has passed by. As I look at your pictures and the boys I am so proud of them. You are incredible parents… they are so very blessed. I pray that our babies will be as prepared as yours to leave the nest. I pray that they will live what they believe, that they will have a very best friend in Jesus, and that everyone they meet will see it in them. Last but not least… Macy Li… I could just eat her up. She is a doll. I have wanted to adopt from China for over 10 years since Dad took his first mission trip over there. I am not sure it is what God has for us… but if I had my way it would be what I had for me. SHE IS AMAZING. Hugs and Kisses to you all.

Love You,
Kristin