First Day

We were up bright and early to check in to Brett's dorm.  I am so glad that we decided to be there before nine.  Even with a fire alarm delay, we had moved him into his room and unpacked well before 10:30 a.m.  As we drove out to Target for a few items that we didn't realize we needed, the campus was bumper to bumper cars and wall to wall people.  We were able to get in and out of Target pretty easily, but I believe that Doug was correct when he said, "This makes Black Friday look like nothing!"

After our Target run we drove to the Union and decided to leave our van parked there.  We bought a banner for home and Brett picked up an IU lanyard and key chain.  We let him pick our lunch spot, so Yogi's it was.  They are notorious for slow service and did not change for our trip today, but since we had time to kill before the 2 p.m. induction ceremony it was the perfect lunch stop.  Once lunch was over we walked around a little more.  We had shown Brett where the student Catholic church is on campus as we expect he will be a frequent visitor.  He noticed a chalk drawing on the sidewalk inviting everyone to mass.  We made one more stop - picture time at Showalter Fountain - before heading into the auditorium for Brett's ceremony.

We had received many email reminders about the Freshmen Induction Ceremony, so we wanted to try it.  They said that it was a time honored tradition.  Neither Doug nor I remembered going, but we all wanted to see what it was about.  It was a nice ceremony, almost like a graduation.  We found out that this incoming freshmen class has the highest GPA ever in the history of IU.  The student body president gave a nice speech about getting involved.  Overall, however, I think we all felt that we could have skipped it.  Brett was ready for us to leave, so he could start doing what he wanted.  Thus, a quick hug and words of praise, and we were headed home.

As we drove, I thought of what a great son Brett has been.  I know that he will do well.  The first few weeks will be tough as he meets new people.  His roommate hadn't arrived yet when we left.  The guys on his floor reminded me a lot of Brett, so I know there are lots of friends to be made.  The one thing that makes me sad is that he won't be here with his siblings.  They really all seem to get along well with him and this will change that relationship.  I will miss him as well.  My afternoons have been filled with movie reviews, shows that we have watched, walks, and lunches together.  I am happy for him, however, as he is ready to spread his wings and fly!