My house is a little less empty now. My middle child, who just finished his freshman year at college, came back home over the weekend.
I made the drive to get him on Saturday, leaving the house early to allow for the long trip. My husband stayed behind, needing the day to continue preparations for the upcoming college graduation party we’re throwing for our other son. Some of our friends teased him for leaving the long drive to me. But I don’t mind.
Driving back home I got to hear all about G’s classes and how they ended, what he thinks his grades are going to be and what he’s going to need for next year’s dorm when he moves into a larger suite-style unit. He talked about his friends and his girlfriend. He sounds happy. He’s changing his major but is excited about it and I am too. The new one suits him. He’s in a good place and isn’t that what all parents want for their kids?
Last night I made a nice dinner and we ate outside on the back patio. It was a beautiful evening and our yard is looking fabulous in anticipation of the party! But the best thing for me was having that fourth smiling face back at the table.
A friend and I had children heading off to schools a couple of summers ago, hers to college — and mine to kindergarten! I think I was the more upset of the two of us. He’s only in 3rd grade but every once in a while, I think about how college is not really so very far away. We’re older parents (I had him at 47), so our empty nest was really in our 30s and 40s! Sometimes I think when he’s in college, I’ll be in a walker with a hearing aid! But that will be ok, too.
Life is GOOD!! nice article too…I know what you mean about the smiling face at the table. :]