Warm Farewell

D2's had a wonderful friend since 6th grade, Ben. Ben's a true gentle giant, like his namesake bear from the 60s tv show. He and D2 have always had a great sibling-like relationship. Ben's mom Julie invited us all over last night for a farewell to the college kids dinner.

Julie is my age, and we were at UM at the same time, but didn't know each other. Her husband Steve is a big shot political consultant, originally from St. Petersburgh, Fl. They hosted a group of Ben's friends and Moms (I was the only other Dad).

We ate delicious chicken and tenderloin, and compared our tales of impending empty nesterhood. We laughed, mostly, and there were some misty eyes. One of the other Mom's, a great Trinidadian lady, was dropping off her last kid at school; the rest of the parents still had younger kids at home.

The 18 years olds (and Ben's little brother Ethan) packed into a playroom, and arranged themselves leg over leg while they laughed and texted each other. I tool a mental picture of these rising collegians. Amanda is headed to USC in LA, Rebecca and Lindsey to FSU, D2 and Ben to UF, and Spencer is staying here at the U, but moving on campus. They were so fresh faced and enthusiastic. It was beautiful.

We got up to leave, and went to get D2. "No," Julie protested, "leave her here awhile. I love having her. Ben will drive her home later."

The same held for all of the kids --no one wanted to leave the small room where they were crammed with their friends. It was as if they sensed they were here as kids for just a few moments more, before their next stages pulled them along.

Wifey and I drove home, and talked about Julie and Steve, our hosts. They were so welcoming --you could feel they truly loved having this motley group share their home, including the gangly teens draped over the furniture. We were happy we'd see them up in Gainesville, as D2 and Ben made their way through what will hopefully be the best years of their lives.

Speaking of those kinds of years -- my friend Edee and I spoke, and realized our beloved UM dorm was being taken down. Building 22, where I lived for 3 1/2 years, is finally looking at a wrecking ball, to make room for some health care clinic the U wants to build.

Edee wants to have a reunion of our old apartment. I told her if she planned it, I'd host it, and so she's working on bringing our old friends back in November.

We'll see how it works out.

But that's the past. Last night, we laughed and talked with our futures. It was a delight.