Okay, it’s one hour and counting until we leave and I have to say, I’m in a bit in shock. He’s great, and doing exactly what we want him to be—ignoring our advice, packing light, and totally focused on the mass field day/fun ice cream social tomorrow night at the college.
It’s killing me but I’m learning to lighten up. I’ve caught myself getting weepy but kept it largely in check—although today when we talked about our traditional midnight Harry Potter book releases and the hilarity involved, I did get choked up. But instead of being down in the mouth on his last day, or my personal favorite—uber functional and task-efficient—I’ve tried being fun. With my husband for inspiration, instead of doing the normal thing, I’ve teased or joked instead. When he exited the car to buy guitar strings, I started pulling ahead where he was walking. He just started laughing—that is so his humor (and he likely laughed more at my lame attempt at it). And when he wanted to hang at the library to read comic Far Side books for last time fun, I didn’t stay functional (i.e. getting books for the little ones). We simply sat side by side reading together, laughing (none too quietly) and exchanging our favorites.
It’s been a sweet time with him, a remembering of all the things we’ve done, experienced, and grown through. And just enjoying being, with him. Will let you know how the whole things goes down—and would welcome ANY I’ve sent college-bound children advice—but at least at this juncture, I feel so grateful, so full up with a peace, joy, and sometimes weepy gratitude for a fine young son and the privilege to be his mother.
Best,
Connie
