Second Chances

For the second time, my son has gone away to college. He left in 2008, but after just a little too much fraternizing and not enough studying he came home to our local college for a semester. Now, he's going away to college again and, hopefully, this is it. I really don't want to do this again. And, honestly, I don't think he does either. After your kid has a year of freedom, coming home to mom's rules again is no fun for anyone.

I really wasn't quite ready for him to leave home again and live with friends. I wasn't sure if I had really gotten my point across that going to school is a privilege, not a right. And, while you are at school, that is your job. Your job is to study and go to class. Nothing else. Your job is not to go to parties, play Fantasy Football, get the high score on Madden, or spend your mama's hard-earned money.

I expressed my concern to my son and, basically, wanted him to wait one more semester before making the transition. He wanted to go now. He said he felt like he deserved a "second chance."

I thought about that a lot. And, I think he was right. We all make mistakes. I've made plenty. I've gotten a second chance to start over and, if I deserve it, so does he.

Now, it's time for the both of us to make the best of our second chances.