Three of our adult children (married couples) have experienced a wide range/mixed bag of emotions in the past few weeks. I shared earlier the fact that my wife and I watched Multiple graduations this spring. Three grandchildren received college degrees; daughter, Dawn and son-in-law, Shawn's third child, Colin, while daughter, Pam & son-in-law, Tim's daughter, Erica along with son, Steve & daughter-in-law, Kathy's daughter, Loren joined the college graduate ranks. Steve and Kathy also saw their triplet boys grabbed high school diplomas. And now you understand the happy-time celebrations tempered if you will by some sad moments.
Two of the college grads garnered employment. Colin heads to the business world with a logistics position in downtown Chicago, which means he can remain at home for awhile. On the other hand, Loren move onto another campus at St. Louis University to continue medical school and Erica left the comforts of the Jacksonville homestead for a Human Resource position with a St. Louis law firm. The triplets are 'gone.' Jake heads to six months of National Guard basic training delaying college until January. Carter is entering nurses training education at UMSL and Jamie checks in at Harris Stowe State University in St. Louis. Appears to me that future family reunions should be scheduled under the Gateway Arch.
Okay, let's step back, pause and see these moments for what they truly signify. Your child has left the nest! It ain't ever going to be the same. Tears will be shed by moms and dads; I remember them oh, so well. Every parent understand that life is a series of 'letting-go-moments.' We angst over the little one leaving the house for pre-school and first grade. Those worrying times of high school and auto driving not to mention our hand-wringing about prom parties and hopefully our kid making good choices. Then we cry tears and attempt to get our stomach from our throat as we drive away leaving our child at some far away campus. You would think we were getting good at letting go but never, it's one of those elusive things.
This day, I look at my children and think back to the emotional pain they feel. I pause for a moment and wish I could protect them from more 'let-go-times,' which await them as the years roll by...but I can't. God only knows, I would if I could.
The reality can be harsh. My kids, as yours must come to know that life longs for itself and only a foolish heart would fail to celebrate our journey while we may in a wonderful world.
(Touch)
What a Wonderful World
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