Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio

Samuel and Betsy at the entrance to Kenyon College 

Where to start?  At 1 pm EST on August 26, 2018, Steven and I will officially become empty nesters as Kenyon College (gently) boots all parents from their campus.   It's like kindergarten all over again, except Steven and I will leave Samuel and fly 2,000 miles home.

Outdoor dining in the adjacent village of Gambier, OH
(population around 50 when school's not in session)  

Looks old?  That's because it is.   Established 1824.
Lots of Gothic and Greek revival buildings set in a 1,000 acre park.

But wait, you say, what is this place, Kenyon College?  Well, let me tell you what Kenyon College is not.  Kenyon College is not anywhere near Kenya.  (It is much closer to Columbus, Ohio.)  Kenyon College is not big.  (For big, go to Ohio State.)  But Kenyon College is a highly regarded liberal arts college, perhaps best known for the Kenyon Review, and maybe also for the Josh Radnor movie, appropriately called, Liberal Arts.  And oh yeah, Kenyon graduate John Green, who wrote The Fault in our Stars.  And Rutherford B. Hayes, one of those middle presidents. 

Samuel's new home in Gund Hall

*Empty nesting is not earned without some sweat.  It requires stamina to dorm shop, and access to a fully stocked Bed, Bath & Beyond. Microwave splatter cover?  Check.  Mattress topper? Check.  Aquaflops?  Check.  Vornado fan?  Check.  Quick dry towels? Check. That and so much more that must be crammed into your rental SUV.  And you will forget something.  You will run to Walmart. You will buy three hole punched reinforced notebook paper.  You will buy multiple extension cords.  You will still forget something.  But the plane awaits, and  you will let your baby go.