As mentioned yesterday, I drove my son to school at 2:30 in the morning; right on schedule for his long trip to Washington D.C. We found his chaperon, got his luggage tags on his suitcase and carry-on, and he got his emergency card (a card he must carry at all times with a phone number he can call should he get separated from the group at any point in the trip…although he can’t find his cell phone so I hope he has change for a payphone if he gets lost). Then we stood around and waited for him to board the charter bus.

Once I talked to his chaperon, my love-of-my-life thirteen-year-old did not want me hanging around anymore. I got him there and after just a couple minutes he was ready for me to leave. I was just the chauffeur. Teenagers! It’s not like I was the only parent there. Lots of other parents were still there hanging out with their kids until the very last minute too. Teens just don’t understand how nerve-wrecking a thousand mile trip is on a parent. In twenty years, when he has a kid and goes through this I expect him to call me with an apology.

After several “Ok, Mom. You can leave now,” speeches, he walked away from me. He actually walked away from me, leaving me standing there by myself. His mother. The woman who gave birth to him. The woman who spent the last three days in a total panic because her baby is leaving the nest. The nerve of him.

If I hadn’t been so tired I would have had strong words to say about that. Instead I shuffled over to him and threatened to give him a big kiss on the lips if he didn’t give me a hug before I left. [I also threatened to rub my snotty nose on him because I'm mature like that at 2:30 in the morning.] I’m not sure if it was the threat of the kiss or the snot, but either way he finally gave me a hug goodbye.

As I walked out of the school cafeteria I looked back through the sea of eighth graders to see him in conversation and laughing with his friends. He didn’t even miss me. I wiped away a tear and walked to my car. Kids grow up way too fast.

Post from: Blisstree

They Grow Up So Fast

I’m sort of an over-protective mom. I like to know where my kids are all the time. The teenagers tend to frown on this. They would like to have their own space. I know they need their independence. I know to be a responsible mother I have to give them their independence to prepare them for their future. But it’s hard to let go. Last night I was hugging him before bed and I literally didn’t want to let go. He said, “Um. Ok Mom. You can let go now.” And tonight (or, um, this morning I guess) I have to let him go 1,000 miles away from home. Without me. Hold me.

For me (at least so far…knock on wood) this has been the hardest part of teenagerhood; the letting go. Will he make good decisions? Will he follow the rules? Will he stick with his group? Will he remember to put on clean socks? Will he eat something besides chocolate for lunch? I guess I’ll find out on Sunday when he comes home.

Post from: Blisstree

Letting Them Go