Many of you have asked how I’m doing now that my first born has the flown the coop.
And the truth is – just fine!
Those of you who have already experienced this massive undertaking are smiling right now. You knew it would be like this. 🙂
My mom told me that the first parting is always sad but it doesn’t take long for a new normal to emerge.
She was right.
Once the car left the driveway and Matt was on his way to Colorado – we watched the dust settle. Then we went in the house, picked up the school books and kept working.
That night we set the table for 6.
We divided up his household responsibilities with some of the younger ones stepping up and doing more.
Dagmar commandeered the massive desk in his room as her new “office”.
His siblings have made free with his extensive CD collection.
We savor his weekly phone call and pass the phone around the family until everyone has had a chance to catch up.
And yes – we miss him. But as my friend Cinnamon told me, “No matter where he is, he will always be a part of you.”
I understand that now.
We pray for him at every meal, remember him in family stories and jokes, and make plans to convince him to lose the beard. 🙂
We’ve learned that when he’s where God wants him to be, doing what God wants him to do – there’s an incredible peace.
Even in the goodbyes.
Blue Jeans and Cotton Tees 
“when he’s where God wants him to be, doing what God wants him to do – there’s an incredible peace.”
YES! I can attest to this. Even though my situation only involves sending my son to public high school after years of only homeschooling… it was somewhat of a heartbreak to me. God has made it clear (oh so clear) that this is where my son is meant to be, and that DOES give me great peace. I’m so thankful for the confirmation that God has given us. Glad you feel it in your circumstances as well! ~Sally
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Our youngest is 18, I imagine we’ll be empty nesters in the next few years. I wonder what that will be like.
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Wow! Did I say that? 🙂
You handle life well. What a wonderful GOD we have to guide us, hold us, and carry us through ALL of our lives.
And soon your oldest will return, dirty clothes and all. Plus, either his beard will be REALLY long or gone. There’s a bright side in there somewhere 🙂
Thank you Melinda for your prayers~
~Cinnamon
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I don’t worry about the day when my first leaves. I worry about the day my last does. That is going to be weird.
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Hi Melinda! I enjoyed reading your post! Matt is a fine young man and has such a heart to serve the Lord. We love your family and you’re such great parents! Love you, Janie
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