In just a few days, both of my boys (ages 19 and 18) will be leaving for college, one for the first time, one for his second year. It’s surreal how fast time has gone by. I swear they were both just little kids running around the house playing or teasing each other. In a blink of an eye they are both adults, at least that’s what they keep telling me.
As parents, we hope that we have done enough to help our children succeed and have taught them enough to know the difference between right and wrong to make the right decisons. It’s a victory when they graduate high school and decide to go to college. College graduation will be the final stamp of approval that as a parent you did your job.
I have a week left with both of them at home and it’s been a little chaotic. Last year, my eldest left for college and we were down to three people in the house, which made it quieter and cleaner. He has been home for approximately three weeks now and I have not been able to keep the fridge stocked and the washer and dryer have been working overtime.
It may sound like I’m complaining, but I’m not. I’m just holding on to the last few days of what fullfills my life. Yes, I love taking care of my boys.
My husband and I will be entering the next phase in our lives, also known as the “empty nest” syndrome. We’ve had a few friends already ask what we are going to do now that the boys will be gone. Honestly, I don’t know. It’s bittersweet. I’ll probably cry. No, not probably; I will cry. I will miss them tremendously, but I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband.
On to the next chapter.