T'is the season.... for packing them up and shipping 'em out.
Abe (PDD, NVLD, etc.) just received word that he is going to start at C next week. C is a residential, therapeutic school. From the outside, C would make a wonderful bed and breakfast since most of the buildings are on the historic register. Their brochure talks about horse back riding and swimming and trips to Europe. But underneath that, serious emotional and academic work goes on (although Abe is starting for the summer program).
I really can't imagine my slob of a son living in such an elegant place, but time will tell.
In any event, I have to get him packed to move over there. It's a cross between packing for camp and packing for college. For camp, you send totally grungy clothes that you don't care when they get lost, but for college you assume that the clothes will make it through the year, but probably some still get lost. And of course, Mom is the one doing all of the packing because 17 year old boys can't be bothered. The only thing that Abe will pick out to bring are his electronics and his books. Mom gets to (needs to) get everything else together, label it, pack it and make sure that it gets shlepped over to school.
Rose, on the other hand at 14, will be going to camp for 2 months towards the end of the month. Everything needs to be "just so" for her. She makes all of the decisions on what to bring and it's waaaayy more than Mom thinks should be to camp.
Rosie whines "Mom, come help me pack...." but really she just wants approval on her choices. Mom isn't really allowed to make any decisions on what to bring, but the mom is allowed to iron on labels, fold the clothes and place them into the suitcase and duffel bag.
Two kids, two totally different packing strategies. But the net result is going to be several weeks of details then lots of quiet around the house. I'm looking forward to the relaxation, but then I get to start worrying about how Abe is going to handle the program at C. But that's another story.
I'm trying to imagine how blessedly peaceful your house will feel this summer...you should treat it like an at-home retreat!
Posted by: suburbancorrespondent | May 27, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Absolutely. Having them both gone is like being on vacation- even if I have to get up and go to work. I have so much more free time and less worries. Hubbie will have some surprises this summer, especially since I'm going on strike and only doing stuff for me!
Posted by: ora | May 27, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Good luck to Abe and Rosie! Sounds like a busy summer ahead for them, but yay! you get some quiet time!
Posted by: Devilish Southern Belle | May 27, 2008 at 02:54 PM
It's a lot of preparation -- for both! Wishing you good luck on packing, and Abe good luck in school. And Rosie? Unpack half that stuff, honey, it's waaay too much for camp.
Posted by: Daisy | May 27, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Whoa, that will be nice! I'm actually going on a vacation with my kids, god help me
Posted by: Insane Mama | May 27, 2008 at 07:36 PM