by Shelley Bennett
Three weeks ago, my mama’s heart was full. Both Jacob and Landon made their way home from college and all three kids were asleep in their beds.
Yes, I know it’s a little creepy, but I turned into that mom from the children’s book I Love you Forever and watched them sleep for a few minutes before I had a cup of coffee.
We had a wonderful time. The holidays were full of fun, good food, hanging out with friends and family, trash movie marathons, and late nights. I cherished every minute.
A few nights were filled with memories. Telling stories of favorite Christmas moments of the past, Top 5 Dad stories, and Mom-sayings that have haunted me. Who knew they would memorize word-for-word the stupid things I have said out of frustration?
Yesterday Jacob went back to college in Louisiana. While it’s bittersweet, he is five months away from graduating and the next step will probably take him to a new location for employment or more school.
Landon will return to Berkeley on Sunday and the Bennetts will be back to a party of three. Every year gets a little closer to Leo and I being home alone.
I know many of you have been in my shoes, so I’m looking for advice. What do you do when your kids leave the nest? How does your heart hold both immeasurable pride and grief in one beat?
Do you find a hobby? Foster kittens? Get a puppy?
In the past I have shared with my peers the pithy adage: you gave them roots and wings, now it’s their time to fly! I apologize. That was not helpful. You should have blocked me on Facebook.
Speaking of puppies, one of the movies we watched was Marley and Me. I forgot that part of the story was how the main character, a newspaper reporter, started writing a column about their new puppy Marley, a mischievous yet destructive yellow lab.
His readership grew and eventually turned into a full-time gig. He even snagged a book deal. So, get ready for stories about Charlie, a charming but psychotic caramel-colored labradoodle! I’m sure you can’t wait.
Please know that I’ll be ok. Writing has become my therapy and every week I have a chance to get it all on paper, or a computer screen, and it helps me process and deal with whatever troubles my mind.
I am happy that our two sons are finding their places in the world. It’s going to be a better one because of them.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to shelleybennett24@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
