It was 8 a.m. and two days into a new school year, and my daughter – a college sophomore three hours away – was frantically trying to reach me.

“OK, what’s wrong?” I asked when she answered her phone.

The only time she calls is when she needs money or advice. It was too early in the semester to be out of cash, so clearly she was looking for the latter.

“I have a problem,” she said.

“You always do,” was my reply.

Bigger than the ones I had dealt with the day before? Let’s see, there was a loose shower curtain rod, no lock on her bedroom door and mold on the bathroom ceiling. Oh, and she forgot her computer printer, and did I happen to know where her pink pillow was?

Just a year ago, I used this space to lament the end of her childhood. Readers might recall my reticence to send her off for her first year of college.

This fall, I was plenty ready to send her packing. And that goes for her sister, too, a college senior. I’d say the same for their little sister, but she’s still in high school.

Don’t get me wrong. I sent them packing in the nicest possible way – all neat and tidy-like.

All three are good kids, and I enjoyed my summer with them, but let’s be real, folks. School beckons, and it’s time to return to a routine. I need it for my sanity.

I’ll miss the oldest two like crazy, and, hey, who knows? Maybe they’ll call every once in a while. Or send a text message, even. Perhaps the youngest will share a story or two about her day at the dinner table.

Now, about that “really big” problem: It would seem she somehow managed to sign up for a history class that meets at a satellite branch 15 miles away. Did I mention she has no car at school?

Have a wonderful fall!