Vince's Journey

That was the day we welcomed Judd into this world. Even back then, as I held this little, 8 pound-8 ounce bundle of joy in my arms, I thought about how sad it was going to be the day he leaves the family home to follow his dreams and begin to leave his own mark on the world. Well, that day has arrived. Tomorrow we'll load up the car and drive up I-75 to Dayton where Judd will be a member of UD's class of 2011.

I know he's only going to be about 40 miles away. Due to weddings and other activites, he'll actually be coming home the first three weekends he's in school. But I also know over the next 4 years he'll make new friends, his home visits will become less frequent and he may even decide to study abroad one summer - he's just not going to be around everyday anymore and I'm going to miss that.

I remember back to 1976 when I left for Ohio State and how excited I was to get out of the house and be on my own. I'm sure Judd feels the same way. But I don't remember my parents being sad about me leaving; they seemed to be just as excited to see me head off to school as I was. But I grew up in a family of 8 so maybe that had something to do with it. (Or maybe I was a pain in the ass and they were happy to see me go!!)

Judd has provided us with many wonderful memories. Sure, there have been times when he's tested our patience but for the most part he's been a great kid. He's always laughing, very creative and even when he has gotten into a little trouble; he's taken his punishment like a man and accepted the consequences. Julie and I are very proud of the young man he has become.

I think we've done a good job raising him. He knows right from wrong. We've had the talks. Julie had a check list of all the talks she's wanted to have with him throughout the summer. Hopefully, between us and his Catholic education, Judd's ready to take on the next challenge; I'm just not ready for him to do it. I know there will be some tears shed tomorrow when we head home from Dayton and leave him behind.

So, our house is about to get a lot quieter. Most of the time you hardly know Aaron is around and Abbey doesn't make much noise unless she has friends over. In fact, the only time Aaron or Abbey ever get loud is when Judd is harrassing or teasing them. With Judd at school , the household dynamic is certainly going to change. Of course the big winner in all this is Aaron. He'll finally have the bedroom to himself, for the next year he'll have the 3rd car to himself. But I also know deep down he's going to miss his big brother; so will Abbey.

It's hard to believe how fast the past 18 years have flown by and that the day I've dreaded since November 3, 1988 is only a day away. I doubt that sentiment will change over night. But as much as I dread seeing him leave, I'm equally excited for Judd because I know he's going to have a great time and flourish in college. I know he'll make us all proud.