Today is significant. If I were to draw a line in the sand to separate yesterday from tomorrow, today would be that line. The end of a part of my life. The beginning of something new. My view from today is much like the view from the top of a Ferris wheel.
Today, our youngest is moving to Denver to start his new job. His career. The rest of his life. Today truly feels like the first empty nest day. The college years merely provided practice and time to become accustomed to cooking less for supper.
Now things get real.
Visits will be fewer and farther between. And shorter.
Today, I’m at the top of the Ferris wheel. And my ride has stopped just for a moment, possibly while someone else climbs aboard at the bottom, someone whose journey is only beginning, perhaps a child going off to summer camp for the first time or preparing to start kindergarten in the fall. If I could shout down I’d say, hang on tight! The ride is exhilarating and entertaining and much faster than you might expect. (Start that college fund.)
And along with the fun, there will be times your stomach will somersault into your throat. You’ll wonder will anyone survive?
You will.
But for now I sit at the top. Rocking. And trying to be brave and feeling so proud that my chest might explode. The sun is hot and the air feels lighter and thinner. I am amazed by the view that has sneaked up on me, and I wish it could last a little longer because I know without a doubt, the rest of the trip will be different. Still good, maybe brilliant even, but never the same.
And somehow I also know that for me, the ride down will be much faster than the ride up.
courtesy of MorgueFile
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]After today, my view will never look the same. #emptynest #timeflies #parenting #midlife[/tweetthis]
Musicial Pairing:
Green Day, Time of Your Life
Parents rarely let go of their children, so children let go of them. They move on. They move away. The moments that used to define them – a mother’s approval, a father’s nod – are covered by moments of their own accomplishments. It is not until much later, as the skin sags and the heart weakens, that children understand; their stories, and all their accomplishments, sit atop the stories of their mothers and fathers, stones upon stones, beneath the waters of their lives.― Mitch Albom
Another milestone. Been thinking of you this morning. “Oh, The Places You Will Go”…….
Fly, Tate, fly!!
Now we’ll have a good excuse to go to Denver!
Talya, you hit the nail on the head!! This is true and is written so well. The trip down will be much faster but it will be a good trip… Thinking of you and wishing Tate the best.
Thank you, Marilyn. I appreciate it!
Loved it and so true!!!! Been there- done that!!! I’m at the skin-sagging stage!!!!! Lol
Haha, you still got it though!
I had a little trouble getting through this one, reading it out loud to Tom, voice cracking, chills, and smiles. I’ve been there, done that, as the saying goes. Now the grandchildren bring on new feelings, emotions, and worries. Mostly needless worries, but still! Congratulations to Tate! Carry on!
Thank you Colene. I’m looking forward to the future:)
The best is yet to come!! You will have money left over at the end of the month!
Good point, Barbara!
Another great read with tears in my eyes……….
Thanks lady!
Our mail is inundated with college brochures and Claire will soon begin her senior year of high school. I desperately want to slow my Ferris wheel down but know that is impossible. Alas, my life is good. You are gifted my friend.
Thank you, Mark. Oh goodness. Senior year. It will go by in a blur so hang on! (I hope she decides to be a Razorback!)
But for now I sit at the top. Rocking. And trying to be brave and feeling so proud that my chest might explode. The sun is hot and the air feels lighter and thinner. I am amazed by the view that has sneaked up on me, and I wish it could last a little longer because I know without a doubt, the rest of the trip will be different. Still good, maybe brilliant even, but never the same.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT. I’m a few years ahead of you. “For now, I sit at the top. Rocking.” Amen!
Thank you Jane. Guess we’ll ride down together:))
Now you and my mom have more an excuse to have “play dates” up here!!
Absolutely and that will be a GREAT THING!! Get ready.
Awwww, Congratulations to your son! I’m sure you’re very proud, even though you’ll miss him!!
Yes! Things are exactly as they should be.
So beautifully written and so personally meaningful to me today. Our youngest will be moving into a dormitory just a few blocks away from you three weeks from today to begin her college life. I have been so aware of the movement of my Ferris wheel as it draws closer to the top for the past few months, but could never fully identify or describe how this feels. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, because they helped give voice to my own life’s current transition.
You’re welcome! At least you know she’ll be on a great campus! And p.s. – no need to buy all that matchy-matchy dorm stuff. My son left for Denver with less things than he had when he moved into his dorm.
I can’t even begin to imagine the emotions you’re feeling right now! At least he chose a beautiful and adventure filled part of the country! I can’t wait to read about your Colorado adventures!
Yes, I’m looking forward to visiting:)) Both my kids now live in cool places – Denver and Austin!
Empty nest! Been there,done that! It’s tough at first, and for a while. Now you have more time to get involved with other things. :-}
Such a sweet post–all so very true, but I always think about something someone wise once said to me. Just think how sad it would be if for some reason your children weren’t able to fly away on their great life adventure.
Oh believe me, I am thankful for that every day. I know plenty of people who aren’t so fortunate.
Got choked up reading this. Y’all raised a couple fine people. Go Tate! Show ’em how it’s done. You’ll do great. Best of luck and enjoy yourself. JG
Thanks Jim. He’s excited and I’m excited for him. Thanks for commenting:))