The Day I’ve Dreaded…but It’s All Good

 

Ahh, my friend.

The day I’ve dreaded is almost here…but it’s all good. Really.

Since last year I’ve prepped for the BIG DAY.

I’ve drunk my weight in coffee. Consumed chocolate. Read books.

I’ve prayed and trusted and cried a little, too.

I’ve pulled up my Mama big girl pants and resolved to do this thing.

This thing.

Letting go.

What else can we mamas do?

We love ’em, raise ’em, and send ’em on their way.

Higher education calls.

And we know that’s necessary—the key to future success.

But still… I won’t kid you. It’s hard.

This rite of passage, the one that seemed so far off eighteen years ago, is now present day reality.

I only have to look around to realize life’s about to change.

The guest room floor is a sea of containers stuffed with bedding, bath towels, laundry aids, and school supplies.

And let’s not forget the shelving, baskets, cork boards, and dorm fridge. Or the new clothes that taunt from the sidelines.

There are other bags and boxes, too. Inside, the contents unremarkable except to a mom who knows the truth.

What about the most important thing?

That mound in the corner—memories that linger.

Will she have room for those?

Will she take a few and leave the rest? You know—for safekeeping?

My footing seems steady, yet uncertain. I’m not sure what this empty nest thing is supposed to feel like, but for me it’s like death, birth, and some unnamed thing all rolled into one.

Not given to melodrama or hysterics, these pinpricks to the heart are difficult to discern.

Is it normal?

Is it normal to cry, laugh, cry—rinse and repeat the process?

When our son left for college it was hard. Like this, too, but different.

My Mama-heart ached, but I rejoiced for other reasons.

So…

I channeled my old friend courage and gave it my best shot.

It hurt.

It helped.

It won.

When Friday comes, I’ll visit my friend again.

I’ll have a tissue in hand and a smile at the ready.

And I’ll carry all the love my mama-heart can hold as we trust our child to God.

Again.

Because it’s all good.

I know it is.

I needn’t dread the work God’s starting.

Blessings flow from empty nests.

***

SHARE THE LOVE

Facing an empty nest? Encouragement for your heart.

(Click-to-Tweet)

When your baby bird flies. From one mama to another.

(Click-to-Tweet)

MORE LOVE TO ENJOY

My Six Favorite Heartfelt, Homespun Blog Posts

From China to the Ozarks: A Girl, A Dream, and Sweet Sixteen

I Love YOU more…A Little Post About God, Writing, and You

Original Image Credit: skeeze/Pixabay

Have you experienced “empty nest” yet?

How has it changed you?

***

I’m taking a blog break Friday, but please stop by again next Wednesday!

Much Love and Many Blessings,