The kid hitched a brim-full U-Haul to his Jeep and set out under the swiftly changing sky. Her eyes caught wisps of his golden curls blowing out the window as she waved from the curb.
What’s a conflicted mother to do but beg him to stay?
Knowing it wasn’t fair and not what either wanted or needed, she did it anyway. Some things can’t be helped.
If she could see his eyes in the mirror, she bet they were brimming too. Hers would have made it harder for him, so she feigned brightness.
Time to fly, baby boy.
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The word is ROAD, either used or implied. Tara's 100 word prompt was perfect for me this week.
Sending that baby out into the world is tough. An empty nest is a hard place to be.
ReplyDeleteHe really hasn't been living at home since he left for college many moons ago, but has always been dependent on us to live his life. One of his goals since youth has been to live in Colorado. My advice to him after an eight month stint in Indianapolis was, "If not now, when? Life gets more complicated the older you get." I want them to live their dreams. Then bring some grand babies home to the Midwest ;-). I bought him an air mattress so he can have visitors!
DeleteThe conflict between wanting them with you and knowing that they set out solo to find adventure means you did your job as a parent.
ReplyDelete"Knowing . . . not what either wanted or needed."
We both knew, but we still cried. I said don't go, but he knew I didn't really mean it though I sort of did. It's a happy hard. Heart sort of broken mixed with equal parts thrilled. It's his life. He knows I'm always there. Just a phone call away.
DeleteOh Gina. I felt every word. Truth is every little jump out of the nest is bittersweet.
ReplyDeleteBut what gorgeous words you used ( as usual) to narrate his flight. ❤❤
Hi Kir!!! Yes, it starts with small little toe taps then progresses to starting their own lives! He's lived in Indianapolis since November and college before that, but this different. He's making a life. It was hard to let go. It feels more permanent. He's a man now. All of 23, almost 24, years!
DeleteI miss you!!!
We're not quite there yet, but I feel that time coming, especially as I have been forced to live apart. All we can do is teach, set an example and hope.
ReplyDeleteYeah. You can sense it coming on. Your being away would feel different. Maybe you notice the changes more because you're not seeing them everyday. The 13 will be 23 in a blink of an eye. I'm so excited for him but I catch my heart sinking when I'm too tired to stay strong.
DeleteYes, we've imparted as much as we could in the time we had, but I'm still finding opportunities to teach in little ways, and, believe it or not, they are still open and receptive. I do my best leading by example ;-).
DeleteMy son will be going to university in September. It only hit home the other week. Sob xxx
ReplyDeleteNow that is not easy! I swear I cried for close to six weeks straight (mostly on and off) after my first/daughter went to college. The hardest part is walking out of the dorm that very first time. It gets better/easier. Good luck!
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