The wave of emotions caught me off guard. As I drove away from my son’s second parents’ weekend at college, tears streamed down my face. Though he’s now a sophomore, I had missed last year’s event, making this visit all the more special. With him not returning for Thanksgiving this year, I expected to feel a little sad, but I usually don’t wear my heart on my sleeve.
When I dropped him off for his freshman year, I felt a few tears escape during our goodbye. However, I wasn’t the kind of mom who stood at his closed door, sobbing, or wandered into his pristine, empty room and shed tears. I was genuinely thrilled for him; he was exactly where he needed to be. Our conversations revealed a happy young man, quickly forging friendships, playing sports, and excelling in his studies. How could I possibly cry when he was thriving? I was just too grateful that he found a school that felt like home.
That said, I did miss him. The house felt a bit too quiet, even with Mia filling it with her laughter and spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen. Our dinner debates had dwindled to just the three of us, and I had overstocked groceries, not quite adjusting to his absence. But deep down, I knew we had done our job right as parents—raising him to be independent, resilient, and pursue his passions. And that’s exactly what he was doing.
This year, however, I was unprepared for the emotional shift. I didn’t expect to feel that tug at my heart when he couldn’t meet up due to homework on Sunday. I hadn’t anticipated the sting in my eyes during the drive home, or the realization that a piece of my heart was left behind in Connecticut.
Seeing him on Friday filled my heart with joy. Our weekend was delightful—sitting by the water, enjoying lobster and ice cream, taking walks, and watching a cappella performances and soccer games. I even found myself at Target, wanting to buy him everything on the shelves, even though he hardly needed anything.
He’s been maturing on his own at college. Without my constant presence. And he’s doing an incredible job. I’m immensely proud of him; he’s in the right place, pursuing the right things—just like last year. But this time, when I left him, I found myself in tears. I got choked up multiple times during the drive, and as I write this, tears fill my eyes.
Who would have thought? I might just be that mom after all.
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Summary:
The emotional journey of a parent as their child transitions to college can be unexpectedly profound. While initially feeling excited about their independence, parents may later experience a deeper sense of loss, especially during special visits. This article captures the bittersweet nature of parenting during this pivotal time, highlighting the pride and sadness that coexist as children thrive away from home.