My oldest son just turned 20. He is a sophomore in college and is loving the entire post-secondary experience. He is following in his mama's footsteps and hopes to be a teacher someday. As a sophomore, he's already had the opportunity for some hands-on experiences at a high school near his university. My favorite part of each week, is the phone call to discuss his classroom experiences. I love to hear about the kids he gets the opportunity to work with, and his excitement and passion for the career are already palpable.
When he left for college, it wasn't an easy transition for the three of us (mom, dad and younger brother) that were left behind, but we all shared in his enthusiasm and slowly we became accustomed to the new normal and new quiet that grew in our household. He would visit about once a month, and share his exciting stories of school, friends, professors and dorm life. We always look forward to those visits and the cherished times we get to spend together.
Our boy graduated high school in 2021. Almost two years later, and he continues to grow and make us proud, but I'll always long for the days when he was a constant presence at our house. I'm sure then, you can imagine my delight when he returns home for weekends, breaks or vacations. This weekend marks the beginning of his spring break, and in lieu of vacationing with his pals, he chose to spend the week with us. His visit includes countless loads of laundry, his favorite elaborate dinners, a ginormous water bill, following his hour long showers, and some blaring music from time to time. But, I wouldn't change it for the world. There is nothing that brings me more happiness than when the boy returns.
Aww - enjoy! The fleeting appearances of these amazing young people keeps you wishing for more. Have a great week with him home.
ReplyDeleteYour description of a child returning home - even briefly - is so true. Your family has a close connection, for sure. What a gift! Enjoy his time with you when you have it!
ReplyDeleteIt must be so much fun to discuss teaching with him! How special! I can feel your joy as you describe those phone calls. Your post makes me think of how happy I know my parents were when I would come home from college! I can't even bear to think of my little girls growing up and going away someday... so I guess that's why I'm choosing to connect to your son's role in the story even though you're my colleague, haha! I love the picture you chose to close your post, as it captures the blend of space-he-takes-up and work-he-creates-for-you with your joy that he is home! I love that he chose to spend his break with you instead of going off with friends - that speaks to a special bond you've created!
ReplyDeleteAw this was so sweet and well written and also made me tear up a little, thinking about the day my son will leave and return. He's only in 7th grade, so we have some time, but there will come a day when it changes to 3 in our house when he goes away and that makes me so sad! But I'll have to keep in mind how great it will be when he returns home.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! Two of my four daughters are home this weekend, and it is a beautiful thing to have their computers on my island and their shoes strewn all over the downstairs. I relate to ALL that you've written!
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