There is a moment that comes when you realize that one of the rooms in your home where your son used to be, will most likely be just a temporary pit-stop from here on out. That moment is a gut punch. Simply put, it is not ok.

It is inevitable and it is right. It’s what we work so hard for, what we want them to do – to fly, to soar – but, oh man, it kinda sucks. Big time.

Recently one of my girls said the unimaginable truth out loud – you do realize that he will probably never live here again, right? Yikes. That stung.

I covered my ears so I couldn’t hear more, but it hit the mark.

I know it’s true. In fact, we just moved him into his second apartment since he started med school and I think he will most likely be there for quite a while. He’s only a state away, which is great, but in all likelihood he will be making a life for himself there in the future. Or somewhere else – but obviously not here.

I am incredibly proud and excited for him, but, oh, that empty room.

That room brings me back in time, to little kid times. The little boy things that were all over that room. Some of the “kid” stuff is still in his closet, waiting for us to go through and see what he wants to keep and what to get rid of.

I keep thinking about doing it, but I haven’t yet. He’s been in an apartment for two years already, and I’m still stalling. My excuse…… he still comes home often so he needs his room, right? He was just home for a rare week off and my mama heart was beyond happy.

I will do it soon. I promise.

But oh man, that empty room…it does something to a mama’s heart…