Monday, August 22, 2005

Starting Out; Ending Up

It became real yesterday. My two younger sons started the process of moving their possessions out of our home. It will take a week or so before everything is complete; they can't move in until their internet connections are set up... they need the connections for work, but I suspect that they couldn't go "cold turkey" for a week without it.

They have their lists of things to do and so do we. After 25 years in one place, there are items that need attention... especially the boys' bedrooms and bathroom. But we've also go a list of "could you help us" items that need to be added to our list. That's good. We are glad that they want us to be involved in this major step. They will be living within shouting distance of each other, so we know that they will help each other through the daily needs. We'll be around... just in case.

Their excitement is contagious. It's a real effort to keep my wife from charging in to take over. She means well and has good ideas, but this is their day, not ours. We've given them everything they need to make good decisions and handle any mistakes. It's time to stand back and watch.

Their beginning as independent adults marks our end as guardians and protectors... but we'll always be parents.


Their new homes.