Living away from home can be glorious for college students. Not having your annoying little brother, teaching you wrestling moves you never wanted to learn, is nice. Not having to text your parents that you made it to class OK or you’re hanging out with your friends is rewarding. Independence never felt so good and you are embracing all the benefits. But with this new realization of freedom there are definitely some setbacks. Your new home is missing some quality people, your siblings.
Living away from home means missing your little bro get ready for the homecoming dance and play high school basketball games. He is the one that gets the bag of chips down from the top of the fridge that you can’t seem to reach. You miss his sarcastic laugh as he casually grabs it for you and calls you “shorty.” You can feel the absence of the casual little things and it makes you a little homesick.
Whether younger or older, you want to spend this precious time in your sibling’s life with them but don’t want to let go of your new acquired independence. You feel guilty for not being there in this time of self discovery. You can not deny the fact that they are growing up without you there. Your younger siblings are experiencing high school like you did and that is a little frightening. Your older sibling is about to graduate college and get a real job and that is also frightening.
As time goes by, it seems to get a little easier. You tell your sister or brother you will be home in one month. They complain, saying that’s too long. You low key, agree. You have weekly or biweekly phone calls and their voices sound older on the phone. You wonder what else has changed.
Calling dibs on shotgun and racing towards the car is a serious competition. Your best friends just don’t get it. The mimicking of your dad as he snores or laughs never gets old. Your dorm room might be quiet but you miss the sounds of your family.
Grocery shopping with your mom was a playground for you and your siblings. “How many times can we get free crackers with cheese without the grocery lady noticing?” Spending your own money on adult things isn’t as fun. But you still squeal when you see free food samples.
Even though you don’t want to admit it, your sibling or siblings are handling life at home without you. The table is set for one less and although that sounds depressing, they have gotten used to the idea. Your family is proud of how far you have and want you to experience what life has to offer on your own. They know are not in the familiarity and comfort of your own home but know that it is for the best. No one can take away all the memories you and your siblings have made throughout the years. They last forever. And let’s be honest, more are sure to come when everyone is home again.
