Becoming Acquainted

Bill and I have just returned from a full day of college orientation with Zach, whom we left for a mandatory overnight mixer.   I'm full of reflection, and in greater part peace, after much of my curiosity was indulged today.  It was so good to roam the campus once again, this time with Zach as a resident student, a much more permanent departure from the spring and summer trips we took last year, as we toured the various campuses Zach was considering.  Bill pointed out that the lines for orientation registration were titled Men and Women, which, I admit, brought a momentary tear to my eye.  I took a quick surveillance of the young adults who are no longer considered children, and marveled as I watched our son navigate his own steps.

I so appreciated the presentation today, the warm welcome of the students and their families, the integrity with which the University prides itself, the answered questions from students and parents alike.  As we separated at different points in the day for various breakout sessions, I could see students all about the campus ready to step into adulthood and embrace the excitement of the learning, relationships, growth and adventures before them.  What a great time in a young person's life.

With all that is in front of our son, it's a joy to watch him embrace the path to adulthood.

Thankful

We reconvened as a family again yesterday, as Ethan and Halle and I joined Bill and Zach back at home plate, here in the Midwest.  They left us last week for a road trip, moving Zach and all that belongs to him to familiar territory.

I'm thankful to be here, to settle in to a lazy summer visiting family and friends, helping Zach transition into what will become life for him again. I'm thankful as I reflect on how carefree it is to ease back into life in the Midwest... thankful to embrace these big changes in a comforting place. And, I'm so thankful for the frame of mind I find myself in.

Four of us will be headed back at the end of the month - not five.  I'm sure there will be many opportunities to be thankful for what will transpire in the coming weeks.  That will be my focus as we leave our oldest here, so many miles away... grateful for the experiences of our lives.

I am sure that the miles that separate will continue to create growth and deep appreciation.

Empty Space

Life is one big mental shift... the change that it's full of forces the mind to face the choice of adaptation.

I have found that while transition is a process, fighting it will surely make one miserable.

So, I'm allowing myself time in transition as I choose to believe that the newly vacant bedroom (Zach's) in our home will one day not seem so... empty.

Hopeful for the end of this modification :)

Title Reiterated

It's almost time...

The boxes are out, the walls are bare, the packing is nearly finished.  Zach is headed back East and will not be returning with us after our summer visit to the Midwest.  I've begun to imagine what that will be like?  Funny, I've been dealing so well with all of it... could it be because it's been in the plan for so long that I've had plenty of time to accept it?  Is it easier to accept and adjust to change... have I matured?  Could it just be ignorance?  One thing is for sure, I am praying that the Lord prepares my heart for what I have yet to experience as our oldest son leaves the nest... for the changes that we will all experience and are now talking about as we wonder.  It's good, and it's strange.  And it's hopeful that God is my source of peace!

Excited for Zach and curious about what the future holds.  And, quite honestly, a tiny bit nervous :)

More change to filter through, to accept and adapt to, to grow through... He's still not finished with me!

Children

What if...

Babies never grew up?

Days would consist of endless coos, raspberries and doodles, 

chubby little toes, and tiny hands, funky hair, a petite little face.  

These would be ours for the joy of all time.  

Yet, if time stood still, so much would be missed...

the joy of witnessing the development of her amazing 

personality, the passion she possesses, the zest 

she brings to living, the love she has for Jesus, 

the tears, the hugs, the singing, the laughter.  

If if were possible, would I give up the future in exchange for the ever present?

With the passing of years, I hold gratefully, yet loosely to what is, 

fully embrazing the memories as well as the time we have now.

These are ours for the joy of all time.

Graduate!

The little boy....

I once ran the knees out of my jeans playing with...

has crossed the finish line!