Parenting is a bittersweet experience. Once you have a child, a significant part of your heart leaves your body with that child. Unbeknown to him, he is now in charge of that piece of you. His successes and failures are your successes and failures in a way. These words are easily "understood" but the depth of the feeling is truly unknowable unless you have this experience.
I miss seeing my son now that he lives in another state. Today, he leased a condo near his college. He didn't come home for the summer except for the 24 hours it took to come and get his car. Of course, I want him to spread his wings and fly. However, this week with the signing of the condo lease I realize my son, a second-year college student, is never coming home again except for the occasional short visit. The fact that he is self-confident and competent is a great success for both of us.
I rejoice through my tears.
