Monday, April 19, 2010

What A Day!

Well, guess what I have sitting on the dining room table? My youngest child's graduation announcements. The name cards, return address labels, thank-you notes, the 2010 announcements.........all of it. It was delivered to me at my school (thank goodness for thoughtful school secretaries - students or teachers CANNOT survive without them!!!).

It was so bittersweet to open the box. I really cannot describe all of the emotions I felt seeing my sweet boy's full name -Ethan Thomas Matheney- beautifully written on his name cards. It put a huge lump in my throat then........and now. I have feelings of great joy for having the privilege of being his mother and such regret for all of the time that flew by too quickly.

It occurred to me today, that I have had a child in school for 24 years. TWENTY-FOUR YEARS!!!! That is 1 year shy of being exactly 1/2 of my life! Having 2 other grown, adult children has given me first-hand experience at being a different kind of parent. It has its' perks.

I'm putting a great effort into celebrating each milestone with him, like always. I'm keeping the thoughts I have about his last high school events being mine, too. He's ready to move on. So, it's time for a whole new era in both of our lives.

I know that I talk a good talk but while I'm saying all of these logical things, I see my little red-headed, green-eyed toddler every time he comes in the door. I'll let you know when my vision returns to normal.