Letting go ain’t easy!

My husband and I are that increasingly rare couple who gets to live in the same town as their grandchildren. We didn’t miss a ballgame or a music program or a science fair … oh you get the idea. We saw some or all of them on an almost daily basis. Believe me, we know we are the lucky ones.

So my oldest grandson graduated from the University of Notre Dame in May. He did an internship in Texas last summer and has had a job lined up with that company that begins at the end of the month. He officially will start his adult life, and as you might have guessed, it won’t be in New London. He will exchange good solid Iowa for Virginia.

He appears to be very happy and excited for the challenges ahead. He’s ready. His mom and dad are excited for him. Me … Grandma, I put on a brave face and keep telling myself that old adage “if you love someone, you set them free.” It’s from a Sting song or “Love Story” or something from the 70s. Stifling someone is never healthy and what sane grandparent wants or even could hold back a grandchild from reaching his or her full potential … believe me, I know the right answer.

Yet there is a continuous movie that runs in my head that sees him at various stages: baby, toddler, little boy, teenager, and now a fine young man … where has the time gone … how lucky I got to be his grandma … but don’t all grandmas feel that way? I’d bet on it.

Although very aware that he is all grown up hasn’t stopped me from wanting to continue to “help” him. I have a list ready to print off right now for him to take titled “What is needed to set up a functioning kitchen.” I’m hoping he knows what a colander is. He’s a smart kid … I mean man … he’ll figure it out. So the list is mostly for me … it’s something I can contribute.

What compounds this situation is his brother, my second oldest grandson, leaves for college at the same time. That’s easier as he can drive home occasionally or we can go see him. But they are both going to be gone … “cutting the ties that bind …”

I’m not gonna lie … a piece of my heart goes with them. It is for me that I shed a tear now and then, and ask God to take over my self-appointed job of being their secret service protection, even though it’s all in the form of prayer and supplication. Oh yes, and warning them about every possible “calamity” that could befall them. I’m sure God has been on it all along and hasn’t required my assistance. Yes, I know, worry is a sin … I’m working on it!

Really though, I know they both will be fine … and so will I … I hope. Thank God I have four grandchildren left at home.

Maybe by the time the nine-year old is ready to leave the nest, I’ll be an old pro … for both our sakes, let’s hope so!