It’s the Final Countdown

My friends keep asking me if I am ready for Carter to go to college. My response has been, “I’m ready to have her home from working at camp first.” Finally tonight she pulled in the driveway after six. Her car was neatly packed with her summer stuff. As I helped her bring the crates and bags inside I was thinking how she is only going to be allowed about a quarter as much stuff for her four months in Berlin.
The real work of getting her ready to go begins tomorrow, but for tonight we just caught up on all the stories of the summer at her favorite place on earth, Camp Cheerio. The thought of having her leave so quickly is freaking me out a little bit. We went to have brunch today with our friends Mark and Kelly and their son Adam who just started UNC. I said something about seeing Carter a couple of weeks go and Russ reminded me that was just last week. It felt like it was ages ago. What in the hell is four months going to be like?
I guess the good news about going to Berlin is the actual packing won’t take that long. It is the deciding what few things to take, curating a wardrobe to take her from fall to winter. The worst part is the 50 pound suitcase limit.
Russ’ father sent me money to buy Carter flowers as a “farewell gift.” He sent me too much even though I told him I was going to get them at Trader Joe’s. So when Carter got home she got the sweet flowers and a twenty dollar bill from the change. It was a very thoughtful way for her Grandfather to send her off.  
I am trying to be available for Carter this whole week so I can savor these days. I know she is also going to see friends and try and catch up on her sleep. I do want her to be well rested when she goes off, but I wish we had more time.