Well, he’s gone. 4 years after my daughter, my son is now off to college and has left my husband and I empty nesters.
What will I miss? Well, not the rolling eyes and his new “You know nothing, Mom” attitude. Not the kitchen that’s always messy no matter how often I clean it. Not the smelly lacrosse bag that stinks up my car. Not the hole in the playroom wall with the JFK poster hiding it. Not the wastebasket with all the empty contact lens packages AROUND it. Not the disgusting bathroom. Not the cluttered bedroom. Not the stains on the carpet from spilled Gatorade (or so he says…). Not the gaggle of boys sleeping on every bed, on every couch, in every room, drooling on my throw pillows.
Not my tears of frustration.
What will I miss? Watching movies starring funny guys he thinks I will like (Seth Rogan – yes; Will Ferrell – not so much. “Elf” doesn’t count. I’d watch that anyway). Watching movies I think he will love (Boyhood – yes; Moonrise Kingdom – absolutely not). Playing family board games around the kitchen table. Traveling to watch his lacrosse games, both near and far. Talking politics and going to rallies to see his candidates. Packing his lunches. Being there when he gets off the school bus and, later, out of his car. Listening to the funny stories about his day at school. The ski trips, vacations, visits to museums. The gaggle of boys sleeping on every bed, on every couch, in every room, drooling on my throw pillows.
Hearing the words “I love you, Mom” every day.
I feel your pain but just think, you are now sharing all that is wonderful about the man you raised with a wider audience. You are also going to have a clean house!