As Son #1 and I travel the state in search of his college choice, I find that we have time to talk.

To talk about the big things.

The things that are looming.

Voices echoing in my mind.

Whispering tidbits they'd like me to pass along to him.

Sometimes even gently remind.

I can hardly believe that I am sitting in a room of 500 college applicants from the national Class of 2012.

They come from far and near.

Looking - just like us.

I look at the parents.

They seem so much older than me.

Wiser.

More prepared.

But I know that can't really be true.

I know the pressure that I am feeling.

I remember the pressure that Son #1 is feeling.

More so - I remember Senioritis.

That final year.

Of feeling finished.

Disconnected.

Ready to move on.

Feeling that my time in high school was winding down and I wasn't interested in too much more regarding it.

But I also remember that those days nearly 25 years ago - feel like yesterday.

There are alot of options for us to consider.

Nearby.

Far away.

Commuting.

Big school.

Smaller school.

Engineering.

English.

Communications.

Financial Aid.

Applications.

SATs.

It is as daunting for the parent as it is for the child.

In fact, after careful consideration - I think it is even more so.

This morning we were driving to Son #1's dentist appointment as those old wisdom teeth seemed to have arrived overnight.

Extraction was the diagnosis.

Time for them to go.

We need to decide when and where.

Prepare for the worst.

Hope for the best.

Funny - is there anything in life that those words don't apply?

I turned to Son #1 driving home and began the conversation:

I know that it is easy to think that this is the end of high school and the tendency to adopt an attitude is easy. But don't. It's hard to believe this - but this is the last year that it will ever be this great or this easy. No financial obligations. Still at home. Dipping your feet in the big pool of life checking the temperature - but not needing to jump in just yet.

Work hard this year. Don't let up. Go out with a bang.

But enjoy every single moment. If there is anything that you wanted to try. To do. To join. To give a whirl. Do it. Don't hesitate - because now is the time. It may never come around again.

Did you think about auditioning for the school play but thought again?

Just do it.

Is there a sport you wished you learned or tried?

Just do it.

Is there someone that you wish you had gotten to know better?

Just do it.

A girl you wanted to ask out?

Just do it.

A teacher you wanted to thank?

Just do it.

Enjoy this year. Be a participant. Don't focus on the road ahead so much that you miss out on what is there now.

I think you could ask anyone and they'd tell you about their regrets for their final year of high school.

Something they would have done differently if given a second chance...

I know my own list is a mile long.

It is your SENIOR year.

The decisions you are making apply to NEXT year.

This year is still about your unabashed youth.

Without the weight of the world.

Or books to buy.

Or expectant professors.

Or strange roommates.

At least for the next year - it's still us.

Our family.

Like it has always been.

You sleeping in your bedroom.

Meals around the kitchen table.

Late night movies together.

And yes, us footing the bill.

Enjoy it - soon enough the bills will arrive addressed to you.

And then you will want to go back.

So...

Don't get so carried away with planning for tomorrow that you forget to appreciate and live in today.

"Forever is composed of nows."  ~Emily Dickinson