My third child, my baby, graduates from high school in ten days. He plans to go to a university that is ten hours away from his mother. Let the mourning begin.
You would think that dealing with children growing up and moving away gets easier with practice. But I know from experience that it does not.
Mark and me
Last night at dinner he asked me, “Mom, are you going to take care of my dog when I go away?” Long pause. The meat stuck in my throat. I almost said, “No son, I will not. If you don’t want little Remi to starve to death then you will have to stay home.” But instead I said, “Of course I will, son.”
This “leaving” of children is a hard process for us mothers. Each departure is a unique grief because each child is a rare, individual creation of God. Each has his own personality, his own gifts, his own strengths and weaknesses. Each is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14).
Each mother/child relationship also possesses its own dynamic. Each sets its own rhythm. Keeps its own pace. Moves in its own direction. Therefore, each separation brings a different kind of loss. Inflicts its own pain.
I know I’m sounding melodramatic. I keep telling myself he is only going to college. He will come home now and then. (Even if it’s just to see his dog.) I survived my two daughters going to school and I have strong, growing relationships with both of them.
He’s not leaving me. He is simply going to something new. However, all this did make me wonder how God feels when we “leave” Him. When we choose to fall back, step away, move on to something new. In these cases, we are choosing something over God. Can you imagine the heartbreak He feels?
Have you “left” God recently, even in some small way? He promises in His Word that if you return to Him, He will be there (Malachi 3:7).
In what ways do you need to “return” to God today?
This made me cry – I love you Mom!
P.S. You could always talk Dad into moving a little closer to us 😉
Oh my, Kathy. This brought tears to my eyes…our boys growing up, finding their God-given path in life. We rejoice with them as they start off on a new adventure with God, while at the same time our mother’s hearts grieve the fact they don’t need us (as much). Thanks for sharing. We’re in this together.
Kel, we plan to one day!
Lynn, it is bittersweet, isn’t it?
Oh Kathy … I’ve been weepy all week. C has less than 10 days left of elementary school. I will be a basket case when high school graduation comes in 7 years!
((hugs)) my friend … and thank you for the reminder that God longs to keep us close to Him.
What hurts is when the boy you raised to love the Lord turns his back and walks away. I rejoice with you that your son is seeking God and it’s taking him to college right now. I wish Mark all God’s blessings! I know you’ll miss him in the every day things, but I’m so glad your relationship with him is sweet. Love you, Kathy.
Kathy, I’m praying. Miss you and love you.