JonDavid’s senior year–which sneaked up on us when he skipped a grade–has been one last after another. The last first day of school, the last game to watch from the bleachers, the last prom….in a couple of weeks it will be the last play, the last birthday at home, and the one I am really dreading: the last drive to school with one of my kids.
Tonight another last crept up on me. I don’t remember the date–I would estimate 2000 maybe? 2001?–that I drove Anthony to his first independent outing. As I recall it was going over to play with Ryan Pelletier in Houghton. In the fifteen years since how many miles have I covered while driving the kids to visit friends, school events, games, outings, dates, and all the busy activities of life? But a few minutes ago JonDavid passed his driver’s test and shortly thereafter he jumped into the car with two of his friends and away they went. Boom! My career as a chauffeur ended before I was ready. Wait! I think there were more car conversations I wanted to have. Wait! I’m home alone with no kids and no car. Wait! The kids grew up much too fast.
I’m truly excited for them as they begin their various life adventures and even for my own next season of life, but oh, I will always miss having them just an arm’s length away in the family car. Stay safe on the roads….and always remember the road that leads home again.
conTIMplations 
Beautifully written.
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