Katie's initial attempt at a college career at East Tennessee State University (see "
Empty Nest Syndrome... or Strange Days Are Coming") ended after only 10 days. Mononucleosis has reared its ugly head and our nest is 1/3 full.
Katie had a blast at ETSU's Preview but complained of being tired, which seemed normal. Each day thereafter she felt a little worse, and a little worse, and finally went to the infirmary on the Friday morning before Labor Day weekend. By the time she came home that afternoon with a friend she was a mess. A blood test at the hospital on Sunday night confirmed the mono and she has still gotten worse every day. It will be a long, long recovery.
It seemed like the only option, or the only option that would make sure that she gets over this quickly and permanently, was to withdraw her from school and try again in January. She hadn't gotten a chance to experience much of college life but that is only temporary. She will return.
On Wednesday we had to have Katie's cat of 17 years euthanized. Not sure what happened as he was fine one day and the next he wasn't. Kaite was quite upset. (I just went in to check on her goldfish. Guess what? Yep, you guessed it. I'll wait and tell her tomorrow.)
Yesterday (Thursday) my wife and I drove the 354 miles to Johnson City once again, this time to clean out Katie's dorm room and bring her car back today. We got home about an hour ago.
ETSU is a classy school. They have always treated us right and today was no exception. From the Housing office to the Bursar's office, etc, they were more than helpful and all the paperwork was taken care of in less than 30 minutes. I could have used some help moving all of that stuff a teenager collects down the three floors to my car. The 10-12 trips it took seemed like 50.
On the way to and from Johnson City we stopped to eat in Crossville. Stone Mountain High School looks like an awesome facility from a distance. Hopefully I will have a reason to visit there some day.
Do drivers nowadays not know that the left lane on an interstate is for passing? There was one jeep from Madison County with teenagers in it, no seatbelts and feet hanging out the sides, and the driver never moved from the left lane for the 20-30 miles we were near him. Cars were backing up behind him and then passing him on the right. He was totally oblivious to it all.