Steven's graduating, why do I feel like MY life is changing?

[WriterofWords]

Steven's last day of school is tomorrow,,, 12 years of preparing for this day. He graduates on May 18, but I feel as if tomorrow my life is going to take a huge turn,, and I'm not sure how to take that turn. I know it's his life that is about to take on a new meaning,, and he has his plan in place. He leaves for Ft. Leonard Wood on June 29th for AIT,, a couple of his buddies from Basic Training who are also graduating but in different States will be going there too. He'll be home approximately 12 weeks from then,,, and if all goes right he'll be going to New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM in January. We haven't heard back yet on his acceptance,, but his recruiter said it was pretty much a done deal since he has a Senator (my boss) and a retired General that is a NMMI Alumni sponsoring him, and the Army is paying for it too.
So why do I feel like it's MY life that is about change so drastically??? I'm asking myself if it has to do with his graduating,, or other things happening in my life? Is it because he's an only child???
How are you other parents feeling now?

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

Your life is going to change. You will no longer have to take care of him. Cook meals, laundry everything. Its a total change. When my son joined the army I was left with a hole in my life. I have 4 children but he is the youngest and 10years younger than his next sibling, so its been like he was the only child as well. I was lucky, my son was sent to Ft. Stuart in Georgia. Living in north Florida he was able to come home many weekends so it wasnt a total empty nest. I did feel it when he left for his first deployment and again now that he is deployed again. He left to return to Iraq today from his leave, I have been picking up and repacking his things all afternoon. Dont let depression set in Involve yourself in something. Its your turn to think of yourself without worrying about someone else Enjoy it. Micki

 

[WriterofWords]

I'll keep your son in my thoughts and prayers. Steven is an only child and it's been just me and him since he was 6 weeks old. I've had my nephew (in the Navy now) most of the time, my niece who will be a Senior next year around a lot,, but here at home it's just been us. I keep telling myself that now I can travel and go places when I can afford it,, except for caring for the animals! I had my first panic attack in months today when I realized just how much is going to change.

 

[saddina]

Think of all the time you'll have for quilting.
Different isn't always bad, just new.

 

[coloradochick]

Now you'll have plenty of time and no excuses to get those two new babies into the agility biz

 

[WriterofWords]

True,, Doggies during the day and sewing and stuff at night,, that will help!

 

[pdsavage]

Missouri in the summer is very very humid,as for him leaving home just think your closer to getting grand babies....

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

I was in the same situation with Jasan. Growing up my DH always worked nights so it was just Jasan and I. We always had dinner togther and then we watched TV together. I can tell you I watched alot of his Japanese animaies and sci-fi shows. We always talked about them and his other interests. When he joined the army at 20 it was the first time I didnt have to cook for 2. It took some getting used to. But ya know now even when hes on leave we watch shows together. He is always telling me about different shows I would enjoy. This last leave we watched alot of things I would not watch on my own but it keeps the communications going so I watch with him. The 12 weeks of AIT will go by quickly and you will know where he will be. Maybe you will be lucky like I was and he will be close enough to come home some weekends. I have discovered that now I can do things for myself and watch what I want when I am alone in the evenings. I like it. Of course when he comes home its a different story. Keep busy and start doing some of the things you couldnt do before. BEfore you know it you will be used to it.

 

[Mahonri]

Now you can pat yourself on the back for doing such a good job. You'll still stay in touch... no doubt about that, the two of you have a bond that won't ever be broken... BUT... this is the big one... eventually, he'll find a wife and then you'll have grand babies.

It's not good for a man (or a woman) to be alone. You may even want to put yourself out there a bit. Look for someone with similar interests.

Best thing that EVER happened to me is the day I met my beautiful bride. I want her for forever.

 

[Mandalina]

You have done a great job with him Kate! Your life is changing too, he is offically without a doubt an adult which tech makes you about to become an empty nester.That means party time for you!