My son just spent his last night at home.  He has officially moved out although judging by the stuff left around the house he plans to return a few more times to pick up some things.  I have known this was coming for some time and I am really happy for him. I’m proud of the man he has become and the choices he is making.  I was completely caught off guard with my emotional response when I said good bye today.  I just broke into tears and even after he was gone continued having a good cry.

I know we will see lots of him – he isn’t moving that far away. I also know this is a rite of passage and an important one.  We will figure out some way to mark the occasion as a family over a dinner next week.  I think that it is important to do so and bring an official closure to this stage of his life.  Of course, he is always welcome to return home if he needs a place for some unforeseen reason.  The reality is though that even if that does happen it will be for a short time and the relationship will not be the same.

And being a parent never ends, the form shifts but the relationship remains the same.  I am glad that I have a good connection with both my kids now that they are adults and on their own.  It’s just the end of an era over here at the Reynolds’ Residence.   Change is in the air.