Oh how I relate! Dropping my first kid off at college last month was nearly unbearable. I can't imagine how much harder it will be when the last one goes away in 2 years. It could be a good time to reread Charlotte's Web - one of my favorite books as a kid! And I will definitely be planning a trip so I have something to look forward to.
Here's the thing: the grief is real. It's okay to feel it. But the new beginnings, though full of both angst and gloriousness (see Charlotte's Web) are just as exciting as the firsts throughout a lifetime - for all of you. You grew them up to fly free. They will not disappoint. And they will always return (I promise) to share the 'goss' and tears and smiles and experiences - quadruple pleasure for them and you and Mister Moock. Try not to dread this last year of amazingness and prep that is the senior year of high school. Love all around from me. xoxoxoxo Also, I can't even - every time I think of them, they're still babies! Smooch!
Saddest book ever, recall reading it in the neighborhood library and sobbing at age 7 or so, and definitely can not bring myself to read it right now! But sad as the last year is, they are just transitioning further away, but still very much in your life. My youngest has texted me more in his first few days of school then he ever has. So that is something:) hopefully just shifting the communication channels and cadence. Cherish this last year with the babes still at home full time!
Love Charlotte's Web, always have. Re-Read it every couple years. On kids moving on: bummer (see, I'm hip to teen lingo). And indeed they do return, but not really, not in the same way. Been through it twice, daughter is 48, son 20 (I'm a serial parent). Somehow, harder when son, Jesse, shuffled off to Berklee. He comes home now and then, but not often, this is not his place any longer. When he does come, I love it, but he is more or less grown, his own person. He cooks (scrambled eggs at 4 in the morning), something he never did. Still, when he leaves, his room is like the aftermath of a hurricane, unmade bed, clothes all over the place, dirty dishes under the bed. I love that. I guess what I miss most (and you and Alastair will appreciate this) is his playing guitar in his room, which he did all the time. A relaxing and reassuring soundtrack to my life with him. No longer.
Oh boy—I can identify. When I dropped the oldest son off at college, I was bawling my eyes out at orientation and one of the Deans asked if I was OK. Also broke down when the second son went off to Chicago and was helping make his bed. Brutal. I will re-read Charlotte's Web.. it is a classic.
I feel ya. This is a tough one. Enjoy the year ahead. And pro-tip: plan a little getaway for you and Alastair next September after you drop them both off -- and then tell us all about it.
My daughter and I wept so hard when saying goodbye when we dropped her off that her father had to pull us apart. Basically we reenacted the ending of Fiddler on the Roof. My heart is with you. xx
I love your ability to make me snort and tear up at the same time. Lovely post! :)
I need a copy 💋 betsy
Oh how I relate! Dropping my first kid off at college last month was nearly unbearable. I can't imagine how much harder it will be when the last one goes away in 2 years. It could be a good time to reread Charlotte's Web - one of my favorite books as a kid! And I will definitely be planning a trip so I have something to look forward to.
Here's the thing: the grief is real. It's okay to feel it. But the new beginnings, though full of both angst and gloriousness (see Charlotte's Web) are just as exciting as the firsts throughout a lifetime - for all of you. You grew them up to fly free. They will not disappoint. And they will always return (I promise) to share the 'goss' and tears and smiles and experiences - quadruple pleasure for them and you and Mister Moock. Try not to dread this last year of amazingness and prep that is the senior year of high school. Love all around from me. xoxoxoxo Also, I can't even - every time I think of them, they're still babies! Smooch!
Saddest book ever, recall reading it in the neighborhood library and sobbing at age 7 or so, and definitely can not bring myself to read it right now! But sad as the last year is, they are just transitioning further away, but still very much in your life. My youngest has texted me more in his first few days of school then he ever has. So that is something:) hopefully just shifting the communication channels and cadence. Cherish this last year with the babes still at home full time!
Love Charlotte's Web, always have. Re-Read it every couple years. On kids moving on: bummer (see, I'm hip to teen lingo). And indeed they do return, but not really, not in the same way. Been through it twice, daughter is 48, son 20 (I'm a serial parent). Somehow, harder when son, Jesse, shuffled off to Berklee. He comes home now and then, but not often, this is not his place any longer. When he does come, I love it, but he is more or less grown, his own person. He cooks (scrambled eggs at 4 in the morning), something he never did. Still, when he leaves, his room is like the aftermath of a hurricane, unmade bed, clothes all over the place, dirty dishes under the bed. I love that. I guess what I miss most (and you and Alastair will appreciate this) is his playing guitar in his room, which he did all the time. A relaxing and reassuring soundtrack to my life with him. No longer.
Oh boy—I can identify. When I dropped the oldest son off at college, I was bawling my eyes out at orientation and one of the Deans asked if I was OK. Also broke down when the second son went off to Chicago and was helping make his bed. Brutal. I will re-read Charlotte's Web.. it is a classic.
I feel ya. This is a tough one. Enjoy the year ahead. And pro-tip: plan a little getaway for you and Alastair next September after you drop them both off -- and then tell us all about it.
We're already planning it!! Camper van adventure in Nova Scotia and PEI. :-)
Nice!
My daughter and I wept so hard when saying goodbye when we dropped her off that her father had to pull us apart. Basically we reenacted the ending of Fiddler on the Roof. My heart is with you. xx