Drinking my coffee alone......

As I sat alone this morning drinking my coffee, bittersweet memories came to mind. 

For the last year or so, it became the morning routine to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with my youngest son.  We have always joked that Michael was definitely "my son" in personality and looks; however, the older that he has gotten the more I see his dad in him.  But, when it comes to waking up in the morning, we both kind of like to wake up slowly.  That's why the coffee time happened every morning.  It was our process for waking up without feeling rushed.

Each morning, we would watch Good Morning America.  We would talk about the stories and laugh at the viral videos (especially if a cat or dog was involved).  I don't know how he felt about those mornings; but, for me that was our time.  There came a time, over the last year, where he was not around much at night...between being a Senior in high school, working a job, and being very involved in community theatre. 

This weekend, Michael leaves for college.  We are really fortunate that he was given an opportunity to go to a college that is just 40 minutes away.  He will be able to come home on the weekends.  However, I know that his schedule will remain busy; so, I know that those morning cups of coffee will be few and far between.

Over the last few days, I have been thinking about how much I am dreading taking him to his new apartment to move him in.  Many of those times, I have pushed back tears.  It's a strange feeling for sure. 

See, I never cried when I took my sons to their first day of school or the many of other "firsts"...not that there is anything wrong with that.  It's just not my personality.  Instead, I would stand there smiling and thinking, "I can't wait to see how he handles this."  I couldn't wait until they could tell me about the experience.

That's why my response has taken me by surprise.  My husband, Joel, says that it is because with the other firsts, he came home every night.  I suppose that that is true.  Probably also...the realization that this time he is on his own. 

I do know that I am still very much excited to see what happens with Michael and how God may use him in the future.  He has been given an excellent opportunity at college.  He is amazingly talented in performing arts and only seems to get better every time I see him.  He worked very hard to get where he is and I am so proud of him.

As much as, there is a part of me, that would love to keep him at home...I know that this is his time to shine.  That all those firsts, that I always encouraged him to do, were best for him.  I wanted both my sons to know that they could do anything.  My husband and I tell them all the time not to say "No" for other people.

So my encouragement for you today is this...

Young mom who is watching all of those firsts right now, I know it is hard to see them grow up.  However, when they come home all excited about the first day school, listen intently and with excitement about what they are doing.  All these opportunities are what God uses to shape them into the man/woman that they will be one day.  Encourage them that they can do anything.

Recent "Empty Nesters"...don't you hate that term?  Hang in there!  You watched those firsts and now you have to let go (for their sake).  We can do this!

For me, it probably won't be without tears.  I'm sorry, Michael; but, I will probably embarrass you on move-in day. 

I will say this for sure...I will probably miss you most during my morning cup of coffee!