Oh it’s been a tough weekend. No, it’s not because we got about 5 inches of rain. No, it’s not because it seems to get dark around 2:30 p.m. now.
My son left with the U-Haul for Nashville this morning.
I know. We gotta let them go… but I don’t have to like it. I miss him already, just like I miss his brother in Virginia Beach and his sister in Texas.
My wife picks on me and likes to say if I had my way they’d all still be 10. Yeah? So what’s wrong with that?
For those that don’t know, Matt, or Hunter, is our youngest of four children. A few years ago he started writing and performing country music around the area. His dream was to move to Nashville because that’s where it’s at for country music. The fact that he has followed through and made the move, I think, is incredibly brave.
My niece is helping with the move and when she got to town Friday she asked me, “So how are we feeling about the move?” I told her I was sad but it’s what we have to do. I then told her, “You’ll see.” She has two children in high school and one’s a senior so she’s already getting a taste of it.
There have been many books, poems and blogs written about this over the years.
Kahlil Gibran, the author of “The Prophet” wrote, “You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.”
A post at creativehealthyfamily.com said, “Parenting is the only job where you’re actually supposed to be fired after 18 years of hard work and dedication. And we all know that going in. That doesn’t make letting go any easier. In fact, I dare say it’s the hardest part of raising kids.”
Deborah Mitchell once said, “As a parent, you quickly realize that life is one long series of letting go: watching your kid crawl, then walk, then run, and then drive away.”
I’ve been going through a lot of old pictures recently. (You’ll see why next week.) So many memories. Santa’s Village, Disney World, baseball, softball and proms.
I’ve tried to tell myself what I’ve told others over the years. “Don’t be sad those days are gone. Be happy you have those memories.”
Doesn’t make it any easier.
I wish Matt and Jill nothing but success. Let’s see where this road takes you.
Of course there’s FaceTime and we now have a new place to visit on vacation.
I have so many thoughts and emotions going through my head right now that, believe it or not, I actually don’t know what else to say. (I know! Rare for me!) I’m excited for them. Sad they’re moving. Incredibly proud. Not just of Matt but all of my children for what they have become and are still becoming.
I think I’ll close with a link to a song Hunter wrote and recorded. And, no, I can’t listen to it without getting a tear in my eye every time.
I miss those days when we were all “Under One Roof.” What a remarkable ride!
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