College Launch Support Group

Checkin’ in on my Mamas!

That was the text I sent to the “Graduation Moms” group chat on my phone. Just a month ago, we were ironing gowns and bobbypinning caps on our girls. Now halfway through Summer, it was time to update the name. I clicked Edit Group Name and typed: College Launch Support.

“I liked the old name, thanks!” Angie joked.
“Me too!” others chimed in, and I could practically hear their laughter through the screen.

Clearly, we’re officially in the denial phase of our grief.

These are women I’ve known for years. Some since our girls were in kindergarten! We’ve hosted birthday parties, shared tips on Drivers Ed companies, planned JSB dinners… and now here we are, in the “Last Summer.” Just days away from Welcome Week and launching our 18-year-olds in all different directions across the country.

“T-minus 19 days,” Mimi shared.

I was struck by how comforting it is to have this group of women who are going through the exact same emotions at the exact same time, just a click away. It reminded me of having a friend who was pregnant with me at the same time, 18 years ago. Except this is a different type of heartburn.

Lindsey mentioned she was thinking of making some self-care and “sick day” packages for her daughter and asked if we all wanted to get together and make them as a group. LETMETHINKABOUTIT… YES.

Kjrsten shared an excerpt from a book she’s reading about moms gathering once a month to assemble care packages for their college kids. She loved the added idea of pairing off to pray over each other and our daughters each time we gather.

This little group chat of texting mamas has turned out to be a lifeline. After purchasing three airline tickets: two round-trip (for my husband and me) and one one-way… I let out a deep breath. Then I laughed. Because as hard as it is, the reason I ache is because I love this “kid” so doggone much. I sure hope Olivia doesn’t mind walking to the mailroom at school… because something tells me she’s going to be going there a lot. 🙂