Caleb put the last few things in his bags and then headed downstairs.
On one hand it felt like he might just be heading off to camp or a school trip.
But the reality is, this is it. He is heading off to work for the summer and then going straight to college.
While we will see him in a few days as we all meet up in Chattanooga for Tyler and Lara's wedding, he won't be back here at home until Christmas.
Reality for me today as a missionary mom is this: there are no week-ends at home with my college kids, no stopping by with friends, no doing a load of laundry quick before heading back for class, no cooking or baking for them, no late night chats in the kitchen to catch up. And we will only spend a few holidays here and there from this point on. He won't ever really belong at home again.
I truly wouldn't have it any other way...I'm happy to launch him as it is the right time for that to happen and he's ready for it.
But, it's a sad day too, and I know it's okay to acknowledge that.
I will miss the day to day life with Caleb, as I still do with Tyler...and will with Claire after she leaves next year. They are great
But I'll sure miss spending time together as a family.
Wow! Big changes. All what you hope for as a parent, but still they leave a big hole in your world now that they are both gone! I'm glad that you will get to spend part of your summer away from home and not focusing on your nearly empty home. Looking forward to seeing everyone next week too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for documenting Caleb's last minutes at home. He is off to some great adventures, much learning and at least from his Uncle's eye he is an adult now!
Thank you so much for getting these pictures. Today is a momentous and sad day too!!
ReplyDeleteSo true, and so nicely said. Praying for a full heart for you today, girlfriend!
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