So The Adventure Begins (My Son And Uni)

Today I will be taking my son to start university. It’s a bittersweet moment, but I have nothing but excitement for him.

This is the second time I have seen one of my children go off to university. The truth is I have decided it doesn’t get any easier. It also doesn’t matter if they are sons or daughters. They are simply your children, and the same worries, anxieties and nervousness are exactly the same. I worry that he will settle, he stays safe and most importantly enjoys this new chapter in his life.

My son is 18 years old. I truly don’t know where the time has gone. It’s so clear in my memory when as a baby he would lie in my arms twirling my hair around his finger until he went to sleep. Also one morning when he was about three years old he ran into the bedroom to say good morning and as I opened my eyes to wake up he poked me in the eye and scratched my eyeball. Omg! That really hurt and a visit to A&E was needed. There was also the time when he thought it was time to shave, unfortunately he was only about six years old and managed to give his face a few cuts.

My son, A, is a quiet unassuming young man or at least around me he is. He is probably a wild child amongst his friends! I have always seen him as a homebody and he is definitely a creature of habit, so will this new adventure be plain sailing or a difficult adjustment?

I guess it’s going to be a bit of both. This is the moment that he steps out on his own into the big world where the decisions he makes will be his own without help from me as his dad.

This is a big step for any 18 year old, but I’m sure in fact I know he will be absolutely fine. He will adjust and enjoy university life to its fullest. He will definitely be homesick on occasions during the early days and he will have some nervous moments. Thankfully it’s only about a 50 minute train journey home so if it does become overbearing he can always come home for the odd weekend.

Although he won’t admit it, he is definitely anxious and probably a bit nervous because whenever I ask him if he’s ok he snaps back I’m fine. He never snaps at me, but I will let him off, haha! Because it’s a massive step, and a huge amount to deal with. It’s strange to me because we expect them to be all grown-up and mature adults. The truth is this is just the start of adulthood. There’s so much to learn and experience.

I’m immensely proud of my son and what he has achieved and now the adventure begins. So my wonderful son, enjoy your new adventure in university. Live it to the full, stay safe and enjoy every moment. The world is truly your oyster. I know with your talents and abilities you will go a very long way. This is just the beginning of what will be a very successful life that I know.

I love you very much and I’m so proud of you, I promise not to cry when I go HaHa! The only thing is you will always be my little boy no matter how old you get. Good luck son. X