My middle child headed off back to college tonight. She has a red eye to Boston. It is a bittersweet moment of enjoying her excitement and also knowing that these past few months with her have been a gift that may not be repeated anytime soon. We packed her up and sent her on her way with a home cooked meal with brownies for dessert. Lots of hugs and kisses and nuzzling of cats – she is going to miss having our old cat Brandy sleeping by her pillow every night.
I know that I will hear from her tomorrow. A phone call from the bus or when she finally gets the keys to her dorm room. We'll instant message and talk about shipping the last box of belongings and her Japanese placement test. I am so grateful that I live in this age of technology. I think about that as my children ease out into their adult lives. It wasn't that long ago that communication wasn't so cheap or instantaneous. As a mother I am - heart fully - thankful.
My oldest son is home for the weekend, he starts up his last year of classes at UBC next Tuesday. I have had a wonderful chance to talk with him and really listen and see the amazing MAN my son is. A complex, brilliant, emotional, tangled weave of individuality that is all his. My graduate school education was worth the price just to be able to sit and listen and learn who he is.
He leaves tomorrow and then my youngest is an only child again. The house becomes large, empty – but filled with laughing and loving memories that are waiting to be revived in December.
1 comment:
Ah, bittersweet. I have been quite homesick lately...missing my family in MI but solidly knowing that I am at home here in Seattle.
Your post reminds me of every time I go home to visit and then leave. It reminds me of going away to college.
I too am so grateful for technology. It makes the separation bearable.
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