Today I look to the great philosopher....Dr. Seuss. He said..."Don't cry because it's over...smile because it happened!" This phrase has become my theme for an event coming up in our lives that I am looking to with some hesitation and tearfulness...the empty nest!
Yes, it is coming quickly. I am in the midst of finishing my son's scrapbook, the invitations for his open house are sitting waiting to be addressed, the party is planned. I love a good party, but when its a graduation party it is so bittersweet. This party will be followed all to quickly by a good-bye.
Ready or not, its coming. I have been praying. Caleb is ready. He will do great, in that I have no doubt. Its just that good-bye that proceeds a very long drive home without him that I am not looking forward to. We've done this long drive before as each of our girls started out at a school in Texas. Caleb is attending a different school, but it is in Texas. So on that long drive home, I need to smile that it happened. Being a mother is such an amazing blessing. I will always be their mother, my role is just changing.
I have told Brian that kids really should come with warning labels. I never imagined when they were little how hard saying good-bye to them would be. I of course know it needs to happen, not matter how much I tease Caleb about not allowing him to graduate. This is an exciting time in his life, and no matter how much I will miss him; it will be so much fun to watch God grow him into the man he is meant to be! I have been watching God work in my girls and the only way for them to grow like this is fly out of my nest. If only there were a way to let them go without that pesky little good-bye!
Oh I am not looking forward to those kind of goodbyes in the years to come.
ReplyDeleteOh girl, I remember when my son graduated. The good-bye's, the cries, the lingered conversations, the fear, the uncertainty. It was a happy beginning to a new season. Love the Dr. Sues quote!!! Guess what? That son - he's graduating college May 12 and getting married May 18th. Oh my - more good-bye's. He moved into his new home last week. Precious. Hard. Happy. Sad. The mother's heart can feel it all at the same time. Love your post!!
ReplyDeleteI too am headed all too quickly to graduation. My daughter is going to be a junior in the fall and has already chosen a college. It is bittersweet!
ReplyDeleteHave not reached the goodbye stage yet. My son is getting ready to graduate from college this month so the time may be sooner than I think. Always an adjustment for me but glad for them! You are doing a good job as a parent when you help them prepare for life without you! Lewis
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