It was a euphoric moment when I heard about my son’s acceptance to Stanford University. I pictured him attending college in one of the best universities in the world. His acceptance proved that all his hard work in high school eventually  paid off.

long lines with each student’s belongings while we wait for the dormitory to open
getting his move in packet and instructions
his dorm was Pokemon themed

But what I didn’t realize then was how far away California is from Texas. That I would miss him like crazy once he moves there. I was glad Stanford started their school year much later than the rest of the country. When everyone’s sons and daughters were already starting college in August, we were fortunate to enjoy his company until mid-September.

this is the hallway in his dorm
the mural arts are of Asian American history
my son’s dorm floor is an all gender floor
another mural that is Asian American history inspired

We flew to California a few days before the official move-in date (September 20). I was dreading for this day to come and when it finally did, I was filled with bittersweet emotions. When I gave him a hug and a kiss at the end of the day, I cried thinking he won’t be in his room each night when I go back to Texas. He won’t be there in the morning to update me about current political events. He won’t be there to help me walk our dog. I won’t have anyone to go to my favorite sushi restaurant randomly. I will miss seeing him and talking to him over a cup of tea everyday about anything and everything.

inside his dorm room
Stanford students call themselves nerds

As much as it breaks my heart to let go, I am blessed with the peace of mind knowing that he is at a university that is known to take care of their students. I need to take a leap of faith and trust that he will be in good hands. That is, in Stanford’s hands.

the dining hall had an excellent food and each family was invited to try it out free courtesy of Stanford
very impressive selection of Asian foods with Asian chefs
the dining hall was bright and colorful
I tried this noodles and they were honestly delicious.

I also trust his judgements to make sound decisions. I am confident that my husband and I have given him the strong foundation to be successful on his own. I can only hope and pray that this new chapter in his life will bring him fulfillment, to help him reach his goals, and guide him to find his way and place in this world. But, ultimately, my only wish is for him to be happy.

beautiful hallways
a great place to meditate after studying. The library is right next to the building across the fountain
more beautiful hallways reminiscent of the early California mission period
there’s three of us !

He will be back during the holidays and until then, I will terribly long for his presence! Perhaps I’ll start binge watching his favorite shows on Netflix or HBO so when he comes home, we will have more things to talk about! 😄

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