The crowd gathered round.
Electricity.
You could feel it in the air and we all wanted to witness.
Most didn’t know what for but I knew.
These were my parents.
Illicit lovers so long ago.
Not meant to be forever.
But meant to make and love me.
Years passed but their magnetism never did.
If only we could all be so lucky to love, at least once
Just like that.
This one’s for all of my Empty Nesters out there.
You think you’re ready.
Joke as you “count down the days”.
And then,
Just like that,
They’re gone.
Mine aren’t off to college
But the youngest is off to preschool this fall.
And it’s been 10 years (and 199 days but who’s counting?)
Since I’ve been home alone.
Let me repeat that.
It’s been 10 and-a-half years since I’ve been home alone.
I imagine that I will begin that first day crying and then laughing hysterically while eating ice cream in broad daylight watching inappropriate shows on Netflix.
And on the second day . . . .
On that second day I am throwing myself a celebratory brunch because you know what?
I’ve earned it.
And so have you.
Take time to cry and then upon realizing that they will be just fine,
Celebrate.
Just like that.
New Leaf Parenting 