Don’t expect a regular sort of post from me this week. Sunday was Mother’s Day–the strangest one I have experienced.
From the birth of the first child, we parents all know our goal is to “work ourselves out of the job” of parenting. To help our youngsters grow roots, then wings, until they don’t need us any more. They start out requiring 24/7 care, which gradually tapers off to teaching them chores and grooming. Before you know it you’re riding along while they practice driving. Then, boom! SATs, graduation, college or other plans, and they’re grown up.
Both our sons are happily married. Both have college degrees and bright futures. In short, they have lives apart from their dad and me. I’m incredibly proud of all our sons and daughters-in-law have accomplished.
So… Mother’s Day. I spent the afternoon at a going-away lunch for our secondborn, Greg, and Katie, his sweet wife. Later I went to their house to help them load their furniture and things into a truck trailer, to be freighted ahead of them to Portland, Oregon.
Meanwhile, Brent spent that evening helping our firstborn, Eric, load up enough stuff to camp in his and Heather’s new Lawton, Oklahoma apartment. The newly minted Captain had orders to report to Ft. Sill on Tuesday.
On the one hand, it was nice to feel needed again. I mean, with a dozen moves in our 35-plus years of marriage, I’ve had enough truck-loading experience to be useful.
On the other hand, within the next week or so all our “kids” will have left Texas. They take with them knowledge, wisdom, a willingness to work hard, strong character — and, seemingly, all the air.
From where I sit, deep in the heart of Texas, the stars at night will shine a little less big and bright.
And that’s why I don’t feel like writing a normal blog post this week.
Thanks for reading,
Jan
Jan C Johnson, Writer 
Oh, I understand how difficult (and yet how good) this experience must have been. So hard to see them go… -Amy at http://www.momgoeson.wordpress.com
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ohhhhh…..Jan, understood. I remember when we helped my son and THEIR family move to Vancouver Wa from our home on Mother’s Day weekend 3 years ago. It was not a happy time. (and what is it with the timing of all that????)
Will you let me know where and when your kids land in Portland? Maybe I can send a virtual ‘howdy.’
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It is so hard to see your kids take those big steps and move away. One of mine has come back to Texas. The other seems so far away in NJ. And the newest grandbaby will be so far away as well. But you are right, we only have them for a little while as parents. You have done a wonderful job preparing your children for their future. On the other hand you have a place to stay when you want to go on vacation! Sending hugs!
Cindy
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Oh … just so beautiful. Thank you, dear one. Love you.
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well…..I would be crying in my shoes right now if I were you. The beautiful thing is you raised them to be such independent hear from God kind of kids, and really this is all we ask isn’t it? So, as I have said before I learn from you, and in all reality I’m not too hurt for you that they are moving only 2 hours away from me because this way I know YOU will come visit and I might get a piece of you afterall. Happy Mother’s DAY friend.
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