Nick

My son, a soon-to-be junior at FSU, came home over the weekend. Spring semester is over and his father and I are proud to report that the grades were once again outstanding. Dean’s List…for the second semester in a row.

Our son was one of those kids that was not a straight A student in high school. He was active in sports and equally active in socializing and parties. I considered both of my children pretty well rounded ~ popular, friendly, athletic and the most decent grades in town. Both of them have gone on to college and both have been challenged by stimulating subjects and ideas. Nick and I were having a conversation about a month ago about a random medical condition and before I knew it, he was giving me a lesson on how that disease originates and the related seriousness of the symptoms. Wow…ok. Did NOT know he knew that.

In fact, I find myself thinking that often when it comes to him. W and I did some things rights and, apparently, stressing the importance and value of education was one of those things. I feel fortunate that we’re able to afford him the opportunity to expand his world.

These times when he comes home between semesters is so important to me.  In a matter of just a couple of years, God willing, he’ll have a diploma in hand and will be transitioning from a student to a man beginning a career. He’ll begin a family, more than likely, and visits with his parents won’t be as frequent or as lengthy.  But, just as it was after high school graduation, the moment will be bittersweet. Closing the door of one phase of life and welcoming another.

I’ll continue to look at him with pride as he takes a step into the next phase of his life and, just as I do with my daughter, I will sit back and be so thankful for being a mom. But, for now, in this fleeting moment of time… I am so thankful one is still under our roof and there are still a few more years before the man in my little boy calls somewhere else home.