Back to College

My 19 year old daughter will be heading back to college in a few days for her junior year. Every year, my wife and daughter and I pack the van to the ceiling and drive the one hour trip to her college. She’s getting a suite this year and is very excited to be out of the dorm-life. Over dinner last night I informed my daughter and wife I will not be able to help with the move-in this year (job related). I thought it would be a big problem. My wife said nothing and my daughter looked relieved. I said, “Hey, I thought you wanted my help, I can make 3 trips every time you two make one.” My daughter grimaced a little and looked shyly at her mother. I said, “What!” with my hands held out. My daughter said, “Dad, that’s the problem. You go too fast. It seems like a race to you and you’re not gentle with my stuff.” Ouch! My wife’s eyebrows went up and all got quiet. I tried to defend myself, explaining men move differently than women, but in the end I lost yet another small battle. Oh well, I won’t be there for the move, but the good thing is, my daughter is only one hour away.