My Little Boy is Off to College

My Little Boy is Off to College 

It seems like just yesterday Oscar was a little boy, his face lighting up with excitement as he watched Scooby-Doo in the mornings. Every morning, without fail, he would come into my room, turn on the TV, and lay on the floor, completely absorbed in the adventures of Scooby-Doo and the gang. It was his little routine, and seeing him so content always brought a smile to my face.

Oscar would spend hours playing with Legos, meticulously building houses, cars, and entire cities. His imagination knew no bounds, and he was always transforming ordinary things into something extraordinary. Cardboard boxes became the foundation of his creativity—His imagination knew no bounds, and cardboard boxes became castles, spaceships, or whatever else his creative mind could conjure. Whatever he could envision, he brought to life with nothing more than some tape and a few old boxes. His creations were more than just playthings; they were the first signs of the resourcefulness and ingenuity he carries with him today.

Oscar has always been a kind soul, someone who could make friends with anyone. His warm smile and gentle nature drew people to him, and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He loved to talk and tell stories, always starting with that familiar phrase, “and then guess what.” You knew something interesting was about to follow, and you couldn’t help but lean in, eager to hear the next twist in his tale.

When he was little, Oscar had the biggest dreams. He once told me he wanted to be a garbage man, captivated by the idea of riding on the back of the big trucks. Later, he thought maybe he’d be the "free lunch guy," the one who made sure everyone had a meal, or even a firefighter, inspired by their bravery and dedication. His dreams were always rooted in helping others, making the world a better place.

As he grew older, Oscar’s love for books blossomed. He could spend entire afternoons lost in a good story, and soon, he began writing his own. He once told me he wanted to be a writer, to share the worlds he imagined with others. I was amazed at how his love for stories translated into a passion for writing. He had a natural talent, weaving together words in a way that captured the reader’s heart.

Oscar’s love for his friends was as deep as his love for stories. He was always at the center of some adventure with them, from hosting Harry Potter murder mystery dinners to escaping intricate rooms at the local escape room, to downtown scavenger hunts that turned the city into their playground. They loved testing their knowledge and teamwork in the Battle of the Books competitions, and of course, their imaginations ran wild during epic games of Dungeons and Dragons. Whether they were solving puzzles, casting spells, or strategizing for their next adventure, Oscar and his friends created memories that will last a lifetime.

Oscar also had the mind of a sponge. He would retain some of the most unusual facts, bringing them up in conversation at the most unexpected times. His first-grade teacher even remarked that Oscar was a very "worldly" person, amazed at how much he knew about such a wide range of topics. Whether it was a random piece of trivia or a detailed explanation of how something worked, he always had something interesting to share. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and he was never afraid to ask questions or dive deep into a new subject.

But life has a funny way of guiding us toward unexpected paths. Now, Oscar is heading to the University of Idaho, pursuing a major in Forestry and Wildfire Management. His love for nature and the outdoors, combined with his desire to protect the environment, has led him to this new chapter in his life. 

Watching Oscar pack up his things and prepare for this next adventure, I’m reminded of all the moments that brought him here—the Lego towers, the cardboard creations, the stories he wrote, and the dreams he nurtured. It’s hard to believe that my little boy is now a young man, ready to take on the world.

As Oscar embarks on this journey, I know he will bring the same passion, creativity, and compassion that he’s shown throughout his life. Whether he’s fighting wildfires or managing forests, I have no doubt that he’ll make a difference in the world, just as he always dreamed of doing.