And just like that it’s done.The kiddo is in his new house, his home away from home that will serve him well for the next three years, and I’m almost home, if you consider 268 miles almost. I’ve logged over 2000 miles in the driver’s seat this trip, spending precious little time with friends and family but a lot of time with my amazing kiddo, making memories at the speed of light. Memories I’ll look back on over the coming months, as I’m missing him ferociously, and smile.
When the kiddo was little I always used to worry that I’d have to push him out there to take advantage of opportunities, meet friends, and find his tribe, but nothing could be farther from the truth. As I drive away from him my heart is full knowing if anything, I want to pull him back!
This Mom gig is the hardest job I’ve ever had. It comes with the worst hours, wagons full of guilt, a fair amount of self-doubt, sleepless nights, a lot of what-if’s, more worry than I everknew I was capable of, and a healthy dose of anxiety. Seriously, if the writers put the truth in theWhat to Expect books, humanity would be in trouble! But this gig is the best job I’ve ever had, too, because seeing your child settled and satisfied, engaged and learning new things, owning their space, and succeeding outweighs the tough things by such a large margin that I don’t even know how to do the math on that type of problem.
If you’re the mom of a little, soak it up and don’t wish it away, even when you’re knee-deep in sleepless nights and living rooms that make you look like Lego farmers. I know you think so but I promise you aren’t losing yourself. You’re taking one on the chin (and maybe the waistline!) and paying it forward but you can’t see that now so I need you to trust me on this. If you’re a middle mom, keep driving carpool (and the other 900 activities you manage on a weekly basis), stay on your kids about their homework, help them find good friends, and hug them longer than you should every time they’ll let you. I know you’re tired and you’re juggling A LOT of plates, but I also hope you know how much they need you, even though they’re growling and snarling more than an angry Rottweiler these days. Keep taking one for the team because it’s going to pay off.
And college moms, go snag a cup of coffee and listen up. We’ve got this. Even when we find ourselves knee-deep in the worry. Even when we can’t jump in thecar (because they’re too far away!) and take them to lunch so we can just listen because we know what they really need is a strong shoulder and a hug. We can be exactly what our kids need in this season and find ourselves again, too. We can live our best lives while helping them find theirs. I get that these days are hard but these days can still be great. I know this firsthand because I'm living proof. If you ever want talk
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