An Embarrassment of Riches
When our older son started college as a freshman back in September, I wanted make sure we stayed connected. That is way easier these days than when I was in college!
Between texting, emailing, Skype chatting, Facebook chatting, and just plain old phone calling, it’s really hard to avoid staying in touch. Receiving packages from home, however, is something that’s “old-fashioned” and different from the normal methods of communication.
Before school ever began, my husband and I received a brochure from the school that detailed a program through which our son could receive multiple packages throughout the year, including a Welcome Package (including all kinds of treats a dorm-dweller would love, like a discount pizza card!), a Halloween Package, and others. All we had to do was choose what we wanted, and send payment, along with handwritten notes for each one.
Generic packages from a company specializing in them are great, but I wanted to send little boxes that I made up myself, too. In his first few weeks at school, he got that Welcome Package, plus about three boxes from me (okay, maybe four), containing things like his favorite snacks, those towels he left at home, cards, a magazine or two, and other miscellanea. My sister sent him a box, and my mom sent him a box as well.
When he received the Halloween Package from that company, he called to thank me, and laughed, saying, “This is really, really getting embarrassing, Mom!”
“Why?” I asked.
“Well,” he replied, “my roommate hasn’t received anything, and here I am, walking in with boxes all the time!”
I laughed. “Who cares? I guess we know which one of you is more loved!*”
He said, “Okay, well, can you just slow down the packages for a little while? I really appreciate that you’ve been sending them, but really, you can save it up for a bit.”
I didn’t get that at all. I imagined myself being a college student again, away from home, and receiving semi-regular packages full of fun stuff. It would be great, right? Yet this was about him, not me. I told him that I would “save it up for a bit.” I mean, I’m not the type of parent who enjoys embarrassing my kids, so I am fine with heeding his wishes.
I hope he forgets about this soon, though. I ordered a Winter Package.
*For the record, I do not seriously believe this. It just seemed like a great response at the time.
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His reaction is foreign to me. I LOVED getting packages at school. Come to think of it, I still love getting packages. Perhaps this makes me old school and old in general, what with Skype, email, texting etc…
Maybe this company could start packages for the parents from the students?
Sue: THAT is a great idea!!
Times must have changed because packages made you the hit of the floor in my day. You were suddenly everyone’s best friend!! I am an evil mom who DOES like being embarrassing so I’d tell him I’d stop the packages but would be sending a singing telegram or one of those hugs in a box or what ever they’re called LOL
Yeah, I was the kid who never got a package. Would have LOVED to have gotten one!
(And I’m w/Lisa – how funny would a SINGING TELEGRAM BE?!?)
Pretty funny! But I can’t end my streak of not being the parent who intentionally embarrasses with that. Boo.
Too funny! I don’t think I’d be embarrassed I’d be relishing stuff from home!
When my oldest went off to school (4 years and 2 more kids departing ago), I too signed up for the statigically timed, pre-packaged, auto delivered care packages. Wow, I thought, what could be simpler and he would think I was so sweet and caring to do that for him. Um… notsomuch.
After the welcome package (left in his room) the subsequent ones were delivered to the biggest residence hall (where he did not live) and a memo was left in his mail box that it was at said RH and ready for him to pick it up. You know where I’m going with this, right? Yeah. He never went to get the rest! When I asked him about them, he said it was too far to walk to just get them and they were mostly candy and things he wouldn’t eat anyway so he just left them!! Ugh. So, yes I learned my lesson on that one. Of coursd #2 (daughter) loved a constantly full mail box (as did her suite mates)and even more since she’s in a house now. #3 says he goes to the mail room daily just to check. So of course I feel the need to send something even if it’s just a card with an itunes card or a $5.oo spot.
Oh, and I frequently put something in the box for all the suite mates … gum and bobbypins for everyone! Ha. They loved it. Girls are easy that way.
I can’t believe your son left them there! EEK!
I KNOW!!! ME TOO!!
I think he:
1. Hasn’t thought of sharing the stuff in the packages
2. Doesn’t know how lucky he is. haha
I know, he’s crazy!
Here’s an idea. Send your care packages to me! No? My daughter is a first year (they don’t call them freshmen at all-women colleges. She loves getting packages. I love getting packages. I don’t understand people who don’t love getting packages.
I KNOW, right?? I don’t understand those people either!