Well, Ashleigh Marie Newell is now officially a freshman at Charleston Southern University. Move-in day was yesterday, and it was surprisingly smooth. There are flat, open grassy areas next to the freshmen ladies' dorms, so we could pull the cars near the entrance. The football team and marching band were all there to help new arrivals carry things into their rooms. Ashleigh's roommate, Kerriann, met us soon after we parked and grabbed some of her marching band buddies to help us. We were unloaded in about 10 minutes. We spent a little time getting the major items arranged in the room (microwave, coffee pot, bed, etc.). Ashleigh is the new keyboard player for Elevate (the campus worship band), so a couple of those guys popped in to help us move her equipment to their storage area. We ate lunch together at The Caf, filled her car up with gas, gave her some extra cash and said our goodbyes.
I'll admit that leaving her there was the tough part. From the moment we almost lost her at birth, I have understood that Ashleigh does not belong to Cindy and me. She belongs to God, and we were only caretakers for a period of time. She is ready to fly, and to follow the path that God has set before her. Knowing that fact is the biggest comfort, but we are human and will readily admit to shedding many tears on the way back, even John choked up a little when he hugged her goodbye. Jessica? She just wants to know when she can have her sister's bedroom with the private bathroom. Sorry, kid... ain't happenin'.
So, off we go to the next chapter in life. It will be different, but good. Although, it's going be more than a little strange when the 1030 band takes the stage in the morning to lead worship and you-know-who is not behind the keyboards on my left...
4 comments:
We love you pops! and spread that love to cindy and the kids, too. it's gets not easier, but more used to...grins
Proverbs 22:6 says it all my friend. Trust in it!! The cool thing is she will become more like a best friend and less like the little girl you remember. Yea, I know. Not helping. Love ya man..
hey guys
ok i have two comments...
1. i loved what yall wrote about the sun setting...and..
so i ledt work one day last week and saw how beautiful the sun was as it was setting.
I tried to get to a high stop in town so i could get a pic to send you..well....that didnt happen.
i was driving crazy all over town looking for a high spot to take a pic..the next thing i knew it had gotten below the trees and i couldnt find a place...all i could do was laugh cause i was running around like a chicken with my head cut off to get that pic for u...anyway maybe next time
2.as for college girl..i am glad she is off and you didnt flood the place...haha.
So who gets the the bedroom with the bath you left us hanging..lol
glad you guys made it through
lot of love
monique
Yeah, who does get the bedroom with the private bath --- it should be an essay writing contest or a bake off or a three-legged race --- or you can just save it for me, when I give up on making "new" friends
grrrrr...this is all so outside my box...imagine God pushing me outside my box??? ;P
Post a Comment