She's Gone

 

On Sunday we moved Kaefer into her dorm at UC Davis. Of course it was the hottest day - and hot at the edge of the Central Valley means really hot.

The move in was very well organized. We were there shortly before eight in the morning (yes, we left home early), she checked in, got her key, and when the residence halls opened at eight we started to unload the car. There were special unloading zones for each hall and each student got 20 minutes assigned to unload. We made it in about 22 minutes! I found a parking lot close by, and then we could start putting her things away, making her bed and decorating her room.

Her roommate hadn't arrived yet which was good since it would have been a bit crowded with two students and their parents, trying to get some order in the unpacking chaos. She arrived later in the afternoon when Kaefer was pretty much done. They have both met through the Davis Freshman Facebook page and over the summer in person when Kaefer invited her to her graduation party. I think they will be fine.

Kaefer is very lucky that she already knows a few other students, and that day I met another girl from her high school who lives on the same floor. In the afternoon one of her friends came by - she had a flat tire, and luckily we were still around so the Geek could give them a first lesson in independence: how to change a bike tire. It's a good thing to have a handy dad!

We finally left in the early afternoon when we had the feeling that Kaefer was settled in a bit and there really wasn't much more to do. To say that our good bye was easy would be a lie; but at least I managed not to cry. That happened later.

The first day without her was hard, especially in the morning. I always used to go into her room to say good morning, and sometimes we would chat a little bit, sometimes not. But yesterday morning there was only an empty room and I felt very very sad. The morning was just weird. I walked around like in a cloud, and my heart was aching. Fortunately I had a teacher meeting later in the morning and that turned out to be a good thing. The meeting lasted for almost three hours, and afterwards I went to one of my favorite nurseries. It was so hot, however, that I didn't stay long, but still managed to get a few plants that will look beautiful in my garden.

Even though I am still sad I've found my center again. I was happily knitting yesterday evening, sitting on the couch and listening to Native American music, feeling quite content. Kaefer and I had texted each other off and on throughout the day and I knew she was doing fine, but didn't like the heat. She was biking around campus, trying to find out where her classes will take place. Classes start on Wednesday.

I love her and I miss my goofy girl, but I am also so very happy for her. It's bittersweet.