By: Laura Thompson
Updated: July 30, 2023
Originally Published: March 31, 2018
Driving away from my son’s campus after our first parents’ weekend, I was taken aback by the sudden wave of emotions that hit me. Though my son is now a sophomore and I had missed last year’s event, I was grateful to spend time with him. With Thanksgiving approaching and knowing he wouldn’t be home, I anticipated feeling a bit sad as I said goodbye. Yet, I’m usually not one to get overly emotional.
During his freshman year, I had teared up a bit when I dropped him off, but I wasn’t the type of mom who lingered by his closed door or cried in his spotless room. I felt nothing but happiness for him; he was exactly where he belonged. Our conversations revealed a young man thriving—making friends, excelling in academics, and engaging in sports like soccer and tennis. How could I feel sorrow when he was so content? I didn’t—I was genuinely thrilled that he had found his perfect school.
Of course, I missed him. Our home felt unusually quiet, even with my daughter, Mia, filling it with her laughter and impromptu dance parties in the kitchen. Dinner conversations were a little less lively without him, and I may have gone overboard at the grocery store. Yet, I took comfort in knowing we had raised him to be independent, strong, and driven. He was pursuing his dreams, and that was a source of pride for us.
This year, however, I encountered a shift in my feelings. I was caught off guard by the emotional tug I felt when he was too busy with homework for us to meet on Sunday. Leaving him brought a sting to my eyes, and I realized I was leaving a piece of my heart back in Connecticut.
Seeing him again on Friday filled my heart with joy as I hugged him tight. The weekend unfolded beautifully—we enjoyed fresh lobster by the water, indulged in ice cream, took leisurely walks, and attended performances by a cappella groups one day and soccer matches the next. At Target, I found myself wanting to buy him everything, even though he hardly needed anything at all.
He has been maturing at college, and he’s doing an incredible job of it. I am immensely proud of him—he’s still in the right place, doing all the right things, just like last year. Yet, this time, as I left him, tears came. I found myself getting choked up multiple times during the drive back, and even as I write this, tears well in my eyes.
Who would have thought? Perhaps I am indeed that mom after all.
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Summary: A mom reflects on her emotional journey as her son navigates college life, exploring feelings of pride, sadness, and the unexpected tears of letting go.
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