With September comes the change of seasons. It is also a change of seasons for many of us moms who have our children going off to college! It is a season of letting go, starting a new, filling the void, shifting focus, and dealing with a new reality. This September I find myself dealing with it two-fold. My youngest moved to a different state for college and left me with an empty nest for the first time in 23 years!
I’ve gone through so many emotions since being home from dropping our son off in Boise. This weekend I decided I finally needed to clean, organize and RECLAIM parts of my home. My eldest daughter whom you know as Ally, left for college in Texas five years ago. I had never done anything to her room. It looked as though she had just gone to town and would be back any minute. So, this weekend I decided to deal with the fact that I need to learn to live in my house without kids being here on a daily basis. Our house is a small farmhouse, it is always crazy and messy. At any given time you can find a plethora of sporting equipment, animal medicines, papers, friends, school bags, mail and uniforms or clothes everywhere. It was a kind of organized chaos and I felt at home in that chaos. Now, it is quiet and kind of sad and it feels like it needs a face lift. I began with Ally’s room. I packed up all her decor, hats, socks and various treasures that didn’t make the cut when she packed her belongings to head to college. I laughed and cried at t-shirts, pictures, signs and mementos.
After a full day, I had most of it boxed up and labeled. I sat in the room and dreamed about what I’d like my new office to look like! I plan to paint and move furniture out and finally utilize an antique desk I fell in love with and bought 3 yrs ago but have never had the space for. I’m actually excited to create a space just for me!
Although, at any moment, I’d prefer to have my kids back under my roof, I know they are both where they need to be and that my husband and I have done our jobs! Having adult children is a second blessing. Yes, it takes getting used to, but I’m trying to remember that it is an opportunity to cherish a relationship with a person I helped shape and guide and form! It is the second season of parenting and I’m strapping on my seat-belt for the wild ride ahead! I plan to be on board for every twist and turn!
<3 Robyn