Last August I sent my “sweet little angel” off to college. This week he is returning home for the summer—yikes! Like his brothers before him, I know that this will be a challenge for him. While he has had a terrifc time being on his own, with his own schedule and rules, now he is coming home to my rules and schedule. That schedule doesn’t include 2 or 3 a.m. snack runs, 10 a.m. classes or friends in your room for hours on end! The blending of those two schedules is very trying.

We went to a neighborhood picnic this weekend and the biggest topic of conversation was the return of the “babies” we cried over back in the fall. Mothers of young children found it hard to believe — but we are not really thrilled about our children coming home. We enjoyed watching what we wanted on t.v., eating what we wanted, going to bed when we wanted, and not having their dirty clothes all over our house. I never believed that I would be happy in my house without my children! Don’t get me wrong–I am the happiest when my children are home, but it is not the gut wrenching feeling I had expected when they leave. It’s that old “roots & wings” thing! I hope I have given them deep roots, so they can soar on their own wings!

By giving them the roots of discipline, part of using their wings is realizing the rules in each roost where they land. So when Jacob lands this week, it may take him a few days to adjust his feathers to our nest, but as long as he’s in our nest, he will follow our rules (with some areas for compromise!) And just like the little birds before him, he will be anxious to take flight in August. And, I the mother bird, will adjust my nest back the way I like it.

I am excited about having him home, because I know that before long he will not consider this home. I dread staying up past midnight until he comes home, I just can’t sleep when I know they are out. I do look forward to the activity around the house that his presence brings, including his friends coming over. So if you see me this summer and I look incredibly stressed it is because I’m tired and there are dirty clothes on my family room floor, my refrigerator is always empty, and I’m having to endure “Jackass” or “Dirty Jobs” on t.v.; but know that I’m happy because I wouldn’t have it any other way!