School starts tomorrow and I’ll be feeling lost. It’s been this way every single August since The Kid started school. After spending days with him, laughing, joking, adventuring, etc., I’ll be home alone. Just me, my thoughts, and work.
The quiet creeps in and it’s palpable. A type of loneliness hard to describe to others who’ve not been in your shoes. This year, it’s worse. He’s starting high school. I only have a few more summers with my partner in shenanigans. Quite frankly, I’m a mess.
As parents, our job is to raise this young people to go out into the world. It sucks. Sure, there are times, like when he’s experiencing the male form of PMS I’m ready for him to do his thing. But when you’re contemplating going back to the corporate world and he says “Mom, not yet. I’m not ready for you to go. Just a couple of more summers with me.” Well, you stay. And I’ve not regretted a single moment.
I’m very aware how privileged and lucky I am to have been able to stay with him. It’s been a true blessing and there were many sacrifices made for me to be able to do this. Sacrifices I’d make all over again.
All for my boy. This wonderful young man who has been my constant companion for 14 years. I’ll miss you when school starts, Buddy, but I’ll adjust. And, eventually, we’ll get into a whole new routine before sweet summer rolls around again.
Lisa is a lifestyle blogger, writer and social media strategist living in Charlotte, NC. 
