As the summer of 1978 waned a big change in life was staring me in the face on a muggy mid August morning.  It was moving day.  I was headed 80 miles northwest of NOLA to start my freshman year at Louisiana State University.  Packing took all of ten minutes.  Three pair of shoes, clothes, toiletries, bed linens, and a backpack were all that were needed (not wanted) to share a small dorm room.

After mom and Boom Boom helped me get settled we were off to lunch, a bank, and a few words of encouragement prior to their return trip home.   At the bank branch Boom Boom took out 5 crisp $100 bills and handed them to the bank manager.  “Open up my a checking account for my son please.”  Soon I had a few temporary checks and a blank reconciliation ledger in my hands.

“I’ll walk back to the dorm so that you all can head out.”  “Call me if need more money this year son,” Boom Boom announced.  “How will I know?”  “Balance your checkbook” was the quick retort.  “I don’t know how to do that dad.”  “I would suggest that if you think you are ready to attend college and live away from home that you learn quickly. You should always know where you stand.”  “Ok, but how?”  “Subtract your checks and add your deposits.”

With a hug from both the Oldsmobile started and backed out of the parking place.   They stopped next to me as I began my walk back.  The window rolled down and mom said good luck once more.  Boom Boom said “balance your checkbook” once more.

It sounded like it was time to grow up.