The Learning Process

So, this is something that I don't believe college kids realize when they go off into the world and leave their parents behind: their parents develop a life without them. This isn't a bad thing, it's just that we don't realize it. I, as a college student, came to realize this when I learned that my mom was traveling to Wisconsin and I tried calling the house only to get the answering machine. Not only was my mom thousands of miles away, but my dad was away on a business trip.
My first thought was, what if I had really needed them, and they weren't there? What if I only had a chance to make one call and I wasted it on an answering machine that wouldn't be listened to for at least 24 hours. After that, my mind started working creatively. What if I was being held at gun point for my moms social security number and I only had five minutes to contact her to get it and save not only my life, but the life of all of my classmates (because I just happened to be in class when this happened)? And then the more morbid part of my brain kicked in. What if mom and dad were in a car accident and they're lying there slowly dying and I'm thinking about being held at gun point in a classroom because some random ass person is requesting my mothers social? What if dad had a heart attack while mom was at work and he can hear the phone ringing in the background but there's nothing he can do about it?
So now, I'm panicked! I call my moms cell; answering machine. Time for dad's cell; nothing. Call moms work; nope, nothing still. I tried the house again, and then moms cell again. Then I call my dad's cell again and he answers (thank God)! He informs me mom is on a plane and he just got out of a meeting. DUH Kelsey! Mom told you all of this last night.
When you move away, you are so oblivious to what goes on in your parents lives. Sure, for a little bit, your parents are getting used to you not being around; but the truth is, it's easier for them to adapt than it is for you. Chances are, you're in a new city, you don't know many (if any) people, you don't know where all the hot spots are. The only thing that changed for your parents is the fact that they have one less dish to clean at dinner time and the laundry becomes increasingly lighter.
I'm not saying your parents don't miss you. However, I am warning you, try not to have the same reaction I did when your parents miss a call or two (even though they always give you a hard time when you don't answer your phone).