We moved our youngest son into his dorm room over the weekend and said our goodbyes. The move was generally fine. We didn’t break anything in the move, I didn’t pull-out my back lifting anything, and we also didn’t embarrass him too much in front of his new roommates. I’d call that a win-win! I even managed to make sure I didn’t break out into a big puddle of tears until we were well on our way home.
When I think of him, I may still see him as a young toddler, lifting out his arms to be picked up, or a pre-teen, asking to buy the hot new video game, but he’s not. He’s a strong, young man. He’s ready for college and is deeply committed to working hard and making his dreams come true. I have no worry about him succeeding.
Goodbyes though are never easy.
Why the sad faces
We said our first goodbye to our daughter seven or so years ago when she went to college. She was the first to leave home. I deluded myself into thinking I would be fine. I was a man’s-man. Yes, yes, I know, a silly macho idea from a bygone era, but it’s what I grew up with and figured I would be fine. Of course, I was wrong. I started off poker-faced. I gave her some last-minute advice, a big hug and walked cooly back to our car. Everything was going as planned until I looked in the rearview mirror and saw our middle son hunched over the back seat, trying to console his teary-eyed little brother. It had finally hit the two of them that we would be driving home without their sister. Of course, I turned into one big puddle as well.
We drove in silence for five minutes or so until my wife broke the tension, laughing out loud at the craziness of the situation.
We ended up talking the rest of the trip about how change can be good, how it was a great opportunity for her, and how we all needed to talk about our feelings. Plus, she was always just a phone call away.
Don’t embarrass me Dad
When my middle son enlisted in the United States Marines Corps and was preparing to leave for boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, we didn’t dare break out in tears. He would be gone for 13 long weeks and would be challenged both physically and mentally.
The little boy that consoled his brother had his own dreams now and had given us strict drill sergeant-like guidance: “no tears guys, especially you Dad!”
He didn’t want us embarrassing him in front of the other recruits or the buff, intimidating-looking recruiters. I guess fear is a good motivator. We kept our composure, at least until we got to the car when my wife and I broke out into another strange, but true, break-the-ice laugh.
Are you ready? Are you ready?
With our youngest, it was an odd sensation. We’ve been preparing ourselves for this moment for over a year. We’ve known this date was coming, we had it highlighted on the family calendar, but it’s still been a challenge. Friends have been quick to ask us about becoming “empty-nesters” and if we’re ready for the change.
It doesn’t help too that there’s a meme going around that says an 18-year-old child, heading off to college, will have spent 90% of the time he or she will ever spend with their parents. I’m not sure how someone can come up with that number, how they know down to the exact percent, I’m just too statistically challenged, but I can’t help but get teary just thinking about it.
Uh-oh, break out the Kleenex tissues!
One final message
It’s hard saying goodbye, but I do feel like we were more prepared this time. I knew exactly what I wanted to say to him before when it came time for final hugs and we went our separate ways. I told him three important messages: that we’re proud of him, that we’re here for him, and that we believe in him.
And one final one: We’ll see you soon!
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Beautifully written, Brian. Just reading this made me more mindful of the time I have today with my little ones knowing that this day will come for me as well. Love your parting messages!
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Yes, it has come too quick! Enjoy the time with your kids when they’re young. The good thing is that I still love hanging with them now — it’s just different. Thx for reading!!!
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awww congratulations Brian. It’s such a bitter sweet time and to this day I feel that when they come an leave. love it!
💖
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I’m excited for him! I just need to keep reminding myself that it’s all good! Can’t wait to talk with him later in the fall and hear about his experiences. Thx for reading!
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Oh my goodness I can’t picture an empty house and yet it comes too soon. My son is turning 8 and I still don’t know where the years went. What a breathtakingly heartfelt post Brian, thanks so much for sharing your life with us
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Aww, thank you LaShelle for the kind comments. The empty house is strange and I love it on the rare holidays when everyone is home … but I’m excited that they’re all having fun doing their thing. That’s rewarding in its own right. You’re doing the right thing: enjoy your time with your son, it goes fast. Thanks for stopping by!
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Excited to be a new follower!
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It’s wonderful that you love your family so much.
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Oh Kerry, I’ve thought about trading them in more than a few times!!! But then I remember they have to deal with me and my crazy idiosyncrasies too, and they haven’t given up on me yet. I guess I’ll keep them. Ha, ha. No, I’m very grateful for them. Thank you.
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My husband considered an offer of many camels for me when we lived in Egypt…🐪🐪🐪
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Ha, ha, put me in that spot, my family might have said yes. Ha, ha! 🤣🤣
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LOL!
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We called him over the weekend. Of course, he’s fine, loving life! Oh these kids, couldn’t they at least fake a tear or two. Ha, ha, nah, I’m glad he’s doing well. Thx you.
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😊
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I was devastated when my son when to college! My only child! But then I enjoyed visiting him there, helping him move in and out during summer breaks. He is now a working adult and I miss his college years. What initially I thought was a goodbye ended up being just another phase in our relationship when I could help him and watch him grow and become his own man. I also had to work hard and dig deep into my pockets so he would have that experience. Sweet memories.
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You’re right, it is the start of a new relationship. When people talk about the college years, they miss that side of the relationship. Glad I get to be a part of it.
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