The Storm Before the Calm

Today was the first day of school for children #3-6. Heck, even the baby went to "kids' morning out" at preschool. It all went off fairly smoothly. Now if the rest of life could just go as well.
As I write this, we are awaiting the arrival of Fay, and hesitantly watching to see where, when and how she will be dropping by, either as a big wet tropical storm or as a hurricane. School has already been called off for tomorrow. That's what we Florida parents know as a "catastrophe day", the equivalent of a "snow day" for those of you in colder climates, but possibly more damaging than the average snowfall.
Tonight, my mom-in-law arrives to care for the younger kids while hubby and I take #1 son off to college. He is not prepared. Actually, I really can't say for certain just how ready he is. We keep bombarding him with bits of knowledge and I think he is a bit overwhelmed at the whole process. We have had him for 18 years, but suddenly it just doesn't seem like enough time before turning him loose in the world. Of course, he won't be truly on his own for a while. He will be on a small campus and in a somewhat controlled environment. However, he will be somewhat independent and have freedoms and new experiences that will prove to be both good and bad. It is tough to release him from the glass bubble in which we have kept him safe and protected, but deep down I know it's time. '
I will write again when we get to the other side of the storm, the trip to college and the arrival back to a house that may never again feel as full of life. I know, he isn't dying, just going off to school, but I am going to miss having all my chicks under one roof. I will miss my little boy, who isn't a boy anymore and will be more of a man when I next see him.