AUGUST 2013 upon leaving Clay at his first year of college.

For my ClayBo.
Today’s the day. As you leave for your first year of college;

1. You have your priorities in order. Every day should reflect those priorities. Re-evaluate regularly to stay on track.
2. Sleep at night. Do not stay up until 5am and expect to be at full capacity.
3. Mom does not (knowingly) subsidize your social life. Budget accordingly.
4. When you’re uncertain on how to proceed, remember: now that you’re eighteen, you’ll always be tried as an adult. wink emoticon
5. If you’re having trouble academically, say something. Do NOT wait until I receive a letter in the mail informing me you’ve lost a scholarship.
6. Everything is cheaper at Wal-Mart than at the campus bookstore.
7. Don’t be embarrassed if I cry when saying good-bye. Most of the other mothers (and not a few fathers) will, too. I promise to try to wait until I get to the car.
8. Remember that there’s always someone smarter than you, dumber than you, more confused than you, less lost than you, more secure, less confident, more sensitive, less reserved, more dysfunctional, etc. Feel the blessings in meeting some, and show grace and mercy for the others; tomorrow the roles may be reversed.
9. Know that home is always waiting for you, regardless of how little time you may spend here.
10. Pray. Daily and diligently. Study God’s word. You can’t know God if you don’t spend time with Him. You can’t get His direction & blessings without knowing Him.

Believe it or not – I didn’t cry. Not in front of Clay.  About a week after he left, I got word back that he told another mom, “My mom was fine, she didn’t even cry”.  I decided maybe he needed to hear a little more from his mama. 

When you don’t see me cry as you leave, please don’t think I don’t care. It has been my life’s work to get you to these days. The courage you have in this new adventure gives you excitement and in that excitement I find success. You are a wonderful young man and I am honored to have had a front row seat to your life. My baby boy, “my Claybo”, you will always be, but you are your own man for sure. Again, in that I find success. I save the tears for when you aren’t looking so that you don’t worry about me and so that you won’t be sad. Please understand that as my heart does break when I see you walk away, my pride in all you have become and my desire for you to continue growing wipes my tears. Good Luck this first week of class. Here goes nothing, right?? I love you, Mama