The Mail Came Today

Jack’s graduation announcements came in the mail today.

He wasn’t too interested in them—

more focused on whether the temporary registration had arrived for his new car.

Typical 18-year-old behavior.

In between making a list of people to send announcements to, doing household chores, and meeting a friend for a meal,

I ordered him a tie for prom,

finalized my travel plans for his last out-of-state track meets,

and searched for pictures from when he was my baby boy.

At one point, I sat and listened to him playing Minecraft with his friends—

laughter,

coordinated moves,

a few cuss words,

and something about him “focusing on priorities.”

It made me smile.

And ache, just a little.

Adjusting to life with adult kids has been harder than I thought it would be.

I miss my three little ducklings—

our family unit,

the ease of being together,

the way they fit so naturally into my days.

And at the same time,

I am so proud of them

for doing exactly what they’re supposed to do.

Growing up.

Becoming themselves.

Moving forward.

Even when it means moving a little further away from me.