Maria Shriver once said, "Our mothers give us so many gifts. They give us the precious gift of life, of course, but they also leave treasured lessons that can guide us along our journeys even when they are no longer with us." When we were children they were the ones to make packed lunches and adorable outfits. Much of the hand-holding continues into high school where they held parent-teacher conferences and back-to-school nights. At some point in time we realize they're grooming us to be on our own, to take responsibility. One fated day they even pack our bags to send us off to get the education some of them never got. They want only the best for us and sometimes choose the oddest ways to show it. In college, parental visits and social calls aren't as common we still bring them with us in some way.
Detaching from our mother's bosom to some can be as easy as a "bye mom!' while others try their best but just can't do it. Some parents expect their children to do things on your own clear-cut, clean and dry. Some young adults, opposed to the goading of their parents, can't help but bring their proverbial security blanket along. Between social anxieties and nonsensical theories some students believe they need to bring their parents on campus. Filling out financial aid forms may require their parent's signatures but turning it in is another story. The less independent student might drag their parents on campus tours while the more independent student just goes about their day. One shouldn't be fooled by the facade of independence, though, those very "independent" students can easily be the ones hugging and kissing mom as they step out the car. .
While some literally take their mothers with them, others like myself prefer to take their lessons with us instead. As a child my mother taught me several lessons: don't stick metal into sockets, never trust a boy that can only compliment your looks, and most importantly always be on time.
