Packing up Doug

Steve and I have often reflected on what gifts we can truly give our children.  

While there are the coveted gifts of a new bike, skateboard or a funky pair of jeans … both of us grew up in homes that place a much higher value on “non-material” goods. We know that while those gifts are initially exhilarating the excitement you feel is temporary.

So we have we tried to give our children a “rock” to hold on to and a “foundation” to grow from, which in this day and age is much harder to achieve. What is the “rock” – your faith and the foundation “your family, education and friends.”

It is with these gifts we begin to pack up Doug…

Even as I write the title, I tear up thinking about sending my middle son Doug off to college. He has taught me how to really live over the past 20 years, and I’ll never really be able to adequately thank him for his amazing insight and loving kindness.

Many of you know Doug had a difficult and rocky start, but with the help from some amazing teachers at Cherokee Elementary followed by Lake Forest High School, and then in between, a gift from above, The Cove School, he became more steady. As time passed, he has now become as a 6′ 5″ young man who walks with a proud and confident gait. 

He also benefitted from growing up around amazing friends who made sure he had a buddy at Halloween (thank you Rosanne) and a best friend (thank you Corey.) And he has had a church family that he can call home.

I know I’m not alone on this part of the parenting journey.  

For some of us (I’ve experienced this too) “it’s time” for your birds to fly the nest. The late nights and even later mornings, cars/doors/friends – your children just need more space to grow than you can give them.

For others their enthusiasm and rhythm really leave a void in your home and one that can’t be replaced. It’s a shift.  In time your home will find a new beat, but it can be a slow process.

And for some the “gift of time” is their next step. Not ready to fly, but ready to slowly transition to adulthood. They need more time and you do too. Time to transition to a new life, but not ready to be far from home.

So while I know the next few months will be quieter and more mellow with an even more focused eye on the last bird in the nest (sorry Lucy), I know it’s time for Doug to fly.

Authors note :

And on a much less emotional note and for those of you who are packing up for the beach – not for college and want to experience a little more Zen in your summer Jane is sharing some of our slow cooking favorites from well know slow cookers! Enjoy…

Zen Moment

“Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings…”

-Author Unknown