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Hellos and Goodbyes....

 It’s almost back-to-college time for many of us in the USA.

This morning, I drove my daughter back to campus—just the two of us.

Her twin brother left a couple of days ago to prepare for band camp; this is his second year being one of the drum majors.

This is their final year. Both of them are excited. They are happy to return to the campus, their other HOME, their happy place, and I am grateful that they are doing well and have found a happy place.

They are going through some “happiness/sadness” as well; this being their last year performing in a marching band, may be their final school year. 

 We know the drill by now—move the boxes in, run to the grocery store, stock a few shelves, hug, goodbye.

And then, drive away.

The tears couldn’t come any quickly on the ride back home, in the car—lots of them. 

After three months of having them home, coming back to the house was not the same.

Our evenings had been filled with music, my middle child at the piano or playing his clarinet. 


Today, of all days, it’s National Middle Child’s Day. And as I walked into that silent home, I felt his absence more than ever. That bench by the piano seems just a little too still, the keys untouched, the air missing the sound of music.



The fourth year came far too fast. It feels like only yesterday when I was packing school lunches, juggling everyone’s schedules, figuring out what’s for dinner…

The house is temporarily not empty. My oldest is home  for the time being, so I’m not truly alone. My mama heart is grateful.

But… there’s always that but. I miss them, and I will always miss them, no matter how old they are or where life takes them. Tomorrow will be better, but today? Today I feel it.

This is motherhood, the full house, and then… not so full. A few more years of these comings and goings, and then they will scatter, chasing dreams and careers, finding corners of the world to call their own.

I once did the same, moving thousands of miles from my own home. Life has a way of circling back like that, doesn’t it?

Such is life… The show must go on.

To the first-time “kids going to college” parents—I see you.

There will be boxes stacked high, checklists, arguments, big meltdowns, it’s all normal. 




People will tell you, “You’ve done your job; now it’s their journey.”

And yes, that’s true, but every child is different.

One may never look back.

One may call daily.

One may disappear for weeks at a time.

However it unfolds, it will be okay.

Please make sure to have the talk with them.  

https://www.rekhasrambling.com/2024/08/alcohol-poisoning.html

Be kind to yourself, let the tears fall.

To those entering their first year of being empty nesters—I see you, too.

 I had a rough time transitioning, but I’m okay now.

It’s ok to miss them, your feelings are valid.

To parents like me, having done it more than once, let the phone return to your nightstand after staying in the kitchen  for the summer.


Note to self- be kind to yourself.

They will be home for fall break and I will most likely go see them in a week or two.


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