I thought my first semester of college was going to be a big jump from being away from my parents until I got to second semester. With the way things worked out first semester, I saw my parents almost every two weeks. The feeling you get from the moment you get the text that they have arrived, to when you jump into their arms is indescribable. Now, in my second semester, this has been the longest time apart and it has made me realize more than ever some of the most not-so-obvious things I miss about being away from them.
Morning songs.
All those mornings when it was frigid cold and you didn't think anything could get you out of bed. It's still the case in college, but at least in high school, I could wake up to my mom singing about how it was a new day. I never thought I would miss that until I had to adjust to beep, beep, beep as my wake up song.
"Sweet dreams."
You may not even think twice about someone wishing you sweet dreams and telling you to "sleep tight" every night until you no longer have that. You miss the comfort of falling asleep without too many worries, knowing the ones who love you are steps away.
Dad hugs.
After a long day, tough basketball loss or just because, dad hugs are irreplaceable. A hug from your dad is a mood changer -- for that instant, all your worries, stressors or bad feelings evaporate.
Being sick.
No one can make you feel instantly better when you're sick, like your mom. The homemade chicken noodle soup, the constant love, and the partner to binge watch Netflix with you so you don't get too bored can really fly under the radar. Even when I hurt my knee or get a cut, I long for my dad who snaps into doctor gear as soon as he hears something is wrong.
Packed lunches.
Those lunches your mom packed with a little note on the paper bag or napkin. The gourmet salads with fresh mozzarella, chicken, and home-made dressing -- beats campus food any day.
Lunch dates.
Being able to go out to lunch with my parents in the middle of the school day was always so rewarding. It made the day go by so much faster.
Birthdays.
Whether it's your birthday or it's theirs, you miss it. You've woken up for the past 18 years being bombarded with birthday love, or wishing them a happy birthday, and now it's just not the same.
The snow day excitement.
My parents would get the phone call that school was canceled and they'd tiptoe into my room to turn off my alarm. Once I'd wake up my mom would grab the hot chocolate and my dad would put on a movie. A college snow day is just an extra few hours to study.
Cozy nights.
Whether it was a weekend or a weekday the vibes in the house were always so cozy. The wafting smell of dinner, the crackling of the fireplace and the feeling of family and love in the air is something that is so unappreciated at the moment. Going out on the weekends is, of course, so fun but you begin to miss the cuddles on the couch with your dad.
Saying hello or goodbye.
Every time I would pull into or out of the drive, my parents would be out there waving and blowing kisses, wishing me a good day or welcoming me.
Your biggest fans and best friends.
You can't run through the finish line or play in a basketball game without your parents being there. They are also the loudest in the stands and always have the camera ready. They support you in your school work, athletics and anything else you could ever need.
Having your parents double as your best friends is incredible. Although texts and FaceTimes are easy, it is simply not the same. The long dinners just because we had so much to talk about, the hugs after a bad day or close win, and the constant reminders that you are loved is something you will never stop missing. No matter what.
