Well, I knew it was coming. Today’s the last day. The last
day before my little guy goes off to college. He’ll spread his wings, and I’ll
have an empty nest.
Eventually, it happens to everyone who has kids. So, yeah,
that’s a lot of people. It’s not a unique situation. But, boy, when it happens
to you, it becomes a very big deal!
Of course, it’s not a surprise. We’ve known for some time
this was coming. But I’m doing the last load of laundry. I’m piling bags and
boxes in the hallway and labeling them. I’m checking things off the list. It’s
getting close. It’s becoming real. I’ve spent the last eighteen years of my
life raising this kid, and he’s going to walk out the door.
So I know you’ll understand if I space off or lose my train
of thought. If you ask me what’s up, and I tear up, you’ll understand. If you
find me crying in public places, well, you’ll understand that I had a random
thought or I saw something that reminded me of the kid. Just nod, or hand me a
tissue.
The truth is, I’m not entirely sad. I’m going to miss him
terribly. But I’m also excited for the future. I’m looking forward to watching
him discover his path. The big picture makes me smile. It’s the little things
that choke me up – like those goodnight hugs. Yeah, I’m going to miss those. A
lot.
