Now, I have dropped off three of my four kids at college. Yup, three. In college. At the same time. This wasn’t really the plan, not that I had much of a plan. My kids are all two academic years apart. But Trent is enjoying a “super senior semester,” whatever that is. I’m sure it’s super for someone. Actually, we knew this would be a possibility when he transferred to Ball State, but the savings and proximity made the move the better decision. And now he gets the super semester. Since Taryn just transferred to Ball State, I’ll probably be doing this again in a couple years.

I was never the teary parent at kindergarten drop off. I was more the “who’s hosting the margarita party” parent at kindergarten drop off. I might be a little sad from time to time, but I knew they’d be back shortly, and I could catch up on all their adventures. I do get a little sad at college drop offs, but I would always return to a bustling house. This year is different. I dropped Tessa off yesterday, the third to depart for college in five days, and the house felt empty when I came home. Tayden has always been a fairly quiet kid, so it felt empty. I was emotionally and physically drained and laid down in bed before 8pm. I didn’t actually sleep because texts and calls came in, but I tried. Sometime around nine, Tayden called me. Tayden, the kid that is still at home. He wanted to know where I was because the house was dark. I told him I was in bed. He had done a quick check and walked right by our bedroom because we never go to bed that early. He thought we went out. So he called. Poor Tayden. Stuck as the lone survivor. It’s a new world here.

So, we all adjust. I’m not sure when the sadness will pass and this will feel normal, but that’s not today. But, it will happen. And then our normal “six at home” life will feel chaotic. I wish I felt that empty nester party glow, but I don’t…yet.

So enjoy your Wednesday everyone. Those of you that are ahead of me in the life cycle can feel free to give me advice. Just do it before nine please. I never know when my bed time is. The picture is from Taryn’s drop off. I was doing that full-time job thing, so Tessa was my stand-in. It just felt like I should do something to counter the outflow of cash these days. I was at Tessa’s drop off, but was unable to get that picture to post. As always, technical difficulties.