I was down in Corvallis this past weekend to see my children and watch the Beavers first win this year. Way to go Beavs! My daughter is a junior majoring in business, and my son made the trip down to hang out with us. As a first-year empty-nester, I spent most of the day Friday baking and prepping for a fun tailgating event. I express love through intentional details and thoughtful touches, and this weekend was no different. I gathered favorite treats, school-colored fall drinks, and LOADS of supplies. Based on what was in the back of my car, you’d have thought I was feeding the entire football team. 

The day flew by full of games, introductions, laughter, and a WIN for Oregon State. And today, my heart is full of love and memories, AND I’m feeling quite reflective and a bit sad at the same time. Oh, dualities – so many feelings can occur at the same time. 

It’s difficult to describe the sensation of leaving your children behind, or watching them drive off. If you haven’t yet had the experience, it might even seem dramatic. In so many ways, I’m in awe of them and proud of how I’ve parented them. After all, they’re doing exactly what successful young adults do – fly from the nest and soar! And yet, when you’ve spent twenty years building the nest and nurturing the little birds, it’s hard to see them go. 

As I drove away from Corvallis, I experienced a bit of panic. I thought I’d forgotten something. Did I leave my brush behind? A shoe? Did I bring my laptop and set it down? And then it dawned on me. I’m leaving without part of my heart. I didn’t forget anything. I just left without my people. It’s a dramatic shift moving from knowing the intricacies of their everyday schedule to getting updates here and there. To move from planning to visiting and prepping to joining. Don’t get me wrong, it’s such a joy to experience them as young adults. They’re kind, sweet, funny, and successful humans, and they’re some of my favorite people to spend time with. 

So, I simply miss them. When you’ve created such beautiful humans and then you leave them, there’s an indescribable ache. Thankfully, my husband caught my tears, squeezed my hand, and reassured me that they drive away because they’re so very successful and full of life. 

I know. Sigh. 

So, if you’re like me and missing your young adults a bit this time of year – because they’re away at college, working, or simply figuring life out – I’m with you, friend. Hang in there. Find your footing. You’re going to be okay – and so are they.