Year after year, many parents watch the calendar until the school year begins. That’s never been me.
This week, my teenager and my 7-year-old went back to school. In a matter of days, my son goes off to college and it has really taken my emotions for a ride.
I’ve always struggled with the first couple weeks surrounding the beginning of the new school year. I dislike the restrictions it places upon us requiring extraordinary diligence and structure evening after evening, meeting all the homework deadlines, athletic commitments and other obligations in addition to our already overbooked lives. It takes me a few weeks to adapt before settling into my comfort zone.
This year, I have dreaded the beginning of the school year more so than others. No matter how long I have tried to prepare myself, I am struggling because I have one going away to college.
While he is anxiously awaiting the move-in date and has beamed with excitement to experience the new chapters of life on his own, it has left me feeling empty. Although he is only an hour and a half away, it has my heart palpitating knowing he will not be under the same roof.
My ideas of showing up on campus to randomly surprise him with a visit don’t seem to go over well with him. I picture it differently in my mind. How do I go weeks without seeing my son? Yet, he has this huge smile of independence on his face. I know, I know. Some may categorize me as smothering, and that’s okay. I suppose I am.
We all raise our children with the values we hold dear. We give them the tools to help them succeed and pray they take full advantage of those tools along the way.
As smothering as I may be, I am realistic and understand this is life and what we do, but this year it may take me just a little while longer to get into the whole school year thing.
;)
