Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Off to College He Goes

My job is done. Ugh and the tears begin as I'm writing this first sentence. Ok, deep breath. Lets try this again.... my. job. is. done. Breathe. I have raised my children to be independent, self-sufficient, caring, loving, hard working, responsible, young adults that find the good in situations and the goodness in people. My friends have told me that the way for me to get through this heart-breaking phase is to know in my heart that my son is prepared. I've done my job well. There isn't anyone that could dispute that. I take comfort in knowing that I did right in parenting. If I did nothing else right, I did that right. I know that as my last child leaves the door this morning for his next adventure (college), he is prepared. That will be my mantra the next few months as I adjust to becoming an empty-nester. He is prepared. I did good.

While my first job as a parent is to teach my children everything they will need to know in this world to become independent, capable adults... I'm also one of THOSE moms. You know the kind. The ones that  hold on with all their might. Yes, that's me. I'm the one on the right. I've ALWAYS been the one on the right. 
Everyone tells you that the kids become horrible little monsters as teenagers so that when they leave, we don't break in half. We are happy to see them go. Well Nick never went through that phase. So hopefully you'll be understanding as I sit here with my heart broken in half and I feel like all the parts of me are coming out of my tears and my nose. Yep, that's me. I am who I am. Thankfully my kids get it. They say that I don't embarrass them, but they're so kind that they probably just don't tell me if I do.

Well, my Nicky is leaving for college today. After 18 years of having the bedroom next to my office where I can hear him laughing in his room playing with his friends or laughing during online games. His laugh makes me laugh. His joy brings everyone around him joy. Yes I will miss him terribly, but I've prepared him well. He is ready.

So we had a going away party for him. The school color is purple and the mascot is a river boat captain. I made purple nautical themed cookies. Everyone enjoyed some time with Nick before he takes off into the big world. And we had some cookies...






















My little boy, my youngest baby, is now a young man. And I couldn't possibly be more proud of him. 
Uncle Nicky with Baby Abigail Cristin before he leaves for college. Please join me in saying a prayer for Nicky to do well in college and make a place for himself in this world. Oh and maybe a prayer for his mom to not be a complete puddle of tears :-)
Nick has been finding me in my office or in the kitchen or wherever and just putting his arms around me and giving me lots and lots of looong hugs. I'm sure it's for my benefit, but he says it is for both of us. How could a mom be sad when she is this blessed?

Oh and don't forget to enter the GIVE-AWAY for free cookie cutter and free cookies! The give-away ends on Monday, August 27th.

Nautical blog background picture for today:
Lots more cookies to come. I have to send cookies to Nick in college don't I?!

11 comments:

  1. Oh Cristin you're ruining my makeup this morning. This is such a touching, beautiful post. My heart hurts for you. I hope that when I become a mom that I will be a great mom like you. Hugs my friend :)

    P.S. I love that comic strip!

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  2. I'm so happy for you and your family. It is such a great goal to achieve. I'm there too. And I gotta say that even though my youngest is still living at home, I feel a little sad, but also very excited. This is a new phase in our lives. For me, I homeschooled all my kids, so now I have more time than I've ever had before. And oh how wonderful it is to do things that I have the freedom to do. And while my daily life is completely different, I'm watching my young adults blossom. What a blessing.

    This will get easier, Cristin. You already have the right perspective. Hopefully the emotions will join the party and allow you to have less sadness and more joy. As my kids have gone away, I got use to them being gone....and actually the hardest time for me was not while they were away but when they came home. I know that is weird.....but when they come home I remember all I miss about them. So I'm sad and happy at the same time when their home. Probably silly.....but it is what it is. Big hugs to you, sweet friend! (((Cristin)))

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  3. You did Good Cristin...College is such a life changing experience. Love the photo of Nick and Abigail.
    Jan S.

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  4. Love the cookies, especially the red crabs (Fabulous). Great advice on raising children

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  5. Cristin, I have two boys. BOTH of them left for the first time for college this year. Double whammy empty nest. We just left the second son today at school. I'm feeling puddly myself. It's nice that you're so confident. I feel so worried but I'm going to think about your words and remember that I did my job. They're great kids and they'll do well. Thanks for the encouragement!

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    1. Take over the mantra Dotty. I'm hoping it will be my saving grace and get me through this :-) Your children are ready. You've done your job well.

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  6. Your friend is so right. While this is a day a very mixed emotions for you, take comfort in knowing that you have raised a very mature and responsible young man who is deeply grounded in the excellent foundation you have provided for him. Nick will do very well on his own and do you and himself proud. Of that I have no doubt. As he takes flight, he will soar to heights you have not even imagined yet.

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  7. Great post!! Great cookies!! Great kid!!! Great mom!! :)

    I did get a little weepy there, but let me just say this. Your job is NOT done. It is just different. No less important or significant or any of those things - just different.

    I can't wait to see how you adjust to this new phase of your life when it gets to be a little bit more about YOU for the first time in 20-some years.

    All will be well.

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  8. Bless you! I am the one on the right also! I have a teenager and he still tells me he loves me in front of his friends! I am glad I have 3 more years before this!! Your cookies as always are beautiful! Hugs!

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  9. This is such a a beautiful post, Cristin! As a mom of three wild and crazy boys, this just makes my heart flutter. You're such a good mama. I am so excited for Nick. ((HUGS))

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment! I love hearing from you! Cristin