Yesterday marked a new chapter in this life as a fire wife/family as we dropped our first born off at college (and then left him there!). It’s like our family shrunk; it’s a weird feeling. Despite the giant lump that lived in my throat for the days leading up to drop off and the tears that occasionally sprang to my eyeballs at the thought of him leaving, the day went well (in my opinion, I hope he feels the same way). I became so focused on helping him get set up in such a short window of time that it didn’t leave time for emotions, really. We unpacked, sorted, organized, moved some things around, and finally hung up some photos and had lunch. When at last it was time to leave, I hugged him longer than I normally do and while I didn’t sob, the tears did come, so he cracked my back for a little comic (and stress) relief. I left him with some parting words, a prayer, a hug, kiss, and an I love you. Then before we could get to the stairs, we turned around for one more photo, or two… And then headed home. My minivan felt empty, and not just because it wasn’t full of his stuff. I’m a mom of 3 boys and always will be, but right now, I only have two under my roof and that feels strange. It’s kind of like the first day of kindergarten. I remember it so clearly. He got on that bus for his half day of school, and I didn’t know what to do. His brothers were 4 and 2, the 2 being non-verbal at the time. He was the talker, the entertainer, the pusher of all of my buttons, the “mom look at this” guy, the one who was climbing the walls(like actually climbing the walls, not a figure of speech), the one who wanted one more story, the one who was curious, the one who always needed to have the last word, the inventor, the big brother… My house was quiet. Just as my house is quiet today (minus the dog barking and the cat who won’t stop meowing at me). Except the difference is that he won’t be pulling into the driveway at 2:40 this afternoon to grab Nutella and pretzels to eat while he starts homework. No. Instead he is out there, with a big chunk of my heart, exploring, adventuring, making new friends, and hopefully having the time of his life as he gets ready for this next chapter. My eyeballs may be saturated but my heart is not sad. My hubby asked me last night if I was worried, to which we both answered no. He is ready. He’s been ready. And in case he reads this- You are ready!

My wish for you is simple…

Work hard.

Have fun.

Remember who you are.

Remember who’s you are (you have always belonged to God first and mom and dad second).

Make your faith your own.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: