Psycho-Babble Parents Thread 509926

Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Letting go

Posted by daisym on June 9, 2005, at 0:41:41


My middle child graduates this Friday. I thought it would be easier to let the second one go. It isn't. I tell myself that this is the natural course of things, that I've done my job because he is off to a good college, full of optimism and enthusiasm for life. He is such a nice young man, he has great manners and a warm heart.

I think I've come to count on him these past two years, since his big brother flew the nest. He steps up, does things his dad can't anymore, makes me laugh, enjoys books and is willing to pick up his younger brother whenever I ask.

I know he is already missing me too. He has come by my office everyday this week, just hanging out. He went and pulled his little brother out of school and took him to lunch today. The senior activities keep driving home to him that things are ending. He told me that he looked up a bunch of good-bye quotes to write in his best friend's yearbook. She and he have been inseparable since 2nd grade. His favorite was, "I shall not miss you until I see that your smile is for someone else."

Exactly. That is exactly what I've been thinking. It didn't seem so long ago that he was going through the house bellowing, "mom? Mom? Whereareyou!"

I don't know how to make this easier for myself. Maybe I can't. :(

 

Re: Letting grow » daisym

Posted by AuntieMel on June 9, 2005, at 14:34:33

In reply to Letting go, posted by daisym on June 9, 2005, at 0:41:41

You never have to let go.

But at my baby's college orientation they said we have to 'let grow.'

It's a different phase of life. It's hard, but I'm sure you will adjust.

 

Re: Letting grow

Posted by Mildred on June 17, 2005, at 22:04:03

In reply to Re: Letting grow » daisym, posted by AuntieMel on June 9, 2005, at 14:34:33

I know - this stage is such a hard one. This 'letting go' is so bittersweet.
My baby is going off to college this Wednesday. My older one just graduated from college and will be living in Hoboken, NJ and working in NYC (we live in FL). At least my younger son is staying in FL for college.
It is so disconcerting to have such conflicting feelings simultaneously. While I miss them terribly (and my younger one hasn't even left yet!), I am so overwhelmingly proud and thrilled because they are both extremely happy and successful in their lives, comfortable in their skins.
Sad and thrilled at the same time.
I am a little nervous about 'empty nesting' . . .

 

Re: empty nesting » Mildred

Posted by AuntieMel on June 22, 2005, at 14:19:48

In reply to Re: Letting grow, posted by Mildred on June 17, 2005, at 22:04:03

I've actually grown to like the peace and quiet.

 

Re: Letting grow

Posted by daisym on June 25, 2005, at 20:29:00

In reply to Re: Letting grow, posted by Mildred on June 17, 2005, at 22:04:03

I'm really nervous about parenting an "only" child. I've had such a gaggle of kids for so long, with girlfriends and neighborhood kids always around, that it feels so empty to just have one home. He has entered the "stay in my room" stage, so he isn't even underfoot much. Unless of course he has all 18 buddies over here all over the place. :)

I guess family dynamics are not static but ever changing. I keep wondering if I can remain as consistent and strict as I was when there were lots of eyes watching.

And Mel, I could use the peace. I just hate the quiet.

 

Re: Letting grow » daisym

Posted by AuntieMel on July 5, 2005, at 13:38:11

In reply to Re: Letting grow, posted by daisym on June 25, 2005, at 20:29:00

Darn, I didn't see this....

I found it much easier to be consistant with just one. I didn't have to worry about keeping my story straight or forgetting what I said to who.

 

Re: Letting grow » AuntieMel

Posted by daisym on July 9, 2005, at 17:28:47

In reply to Re: Letting grow » daisym, posted by AuntieMel on July 5, 2005, at 13:38:11

Consistency isn't my problem but with the last one, leniency is. He gets away with murder. :)

Actually he is a very sweet kid but his grades are B/c and I always insisted on As from the other two...at least try for the A and we'll accept the B.

Likewise with chores. I find myself doing much of what hasn't been done instead of getting after him for not remembering.

I think I hate how much time I spend alone these days the most. It is hard for me.


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