Son:
After a bittersweet farewell with friends the night prior, I had packed all my belongings and memories. We gathered beneath a streetlamp in our sprawling suburb, yearning for the excitement of New York City. There were hugs, promises to stay in touch, and a sense of finality that I didn’t dread. Those tears were my only concession to sentimentality.
Mom:
I took a final look around my son’s room to ensure nothing was left behind. He had promised to handle it, but some motherly instincts are hard to shake. Typically, it would have been a chaotic mess—clothes and books scattered in his small room. Yet, on this day, it was surprisingly tidy. All that remained were dirty glasses, crumpled snack wrappers, and the dog’s bed, empty without Benji. He had hoped to spend one last night with his furry friend, but after a whirlwind of goodbyes, sleep was elusive. We found ourselves at a 24-hour convenience store at 1 a.m. for some last-minute items. I can’t recall what we bought; it didn’t matter. The act of being in motion kept the heaviness at bay.
Son:
The next morning, standing at the threshold of my bedroom, I flicked the light switch and scanned my surroundings, hoping for some sense of closure. Instead, I felt numb. Saying farewell to my dog, who had been with me since I was five, was strange but surprisingly easy. I pondered why it felt so simple to say goodbye to the people and places I cherished. As my parents drove me to the airport, my mom filled the silence with conversation.
Mom:
At the airport, he chose a tuna salad sandwich for breakfast. How he found that at 6 a.m. is still a mystery! I engaged in small talk while my husband cracked his usual dad jokes, attempting to keep the mood light. But Nick was our youngest. We both knew the weight of this moment, even if we pretended otherwise.
Son:
We went through security and boarded the plane, sensing the unspoken emotions between us. My father’s quiet smile contrasted with my mother’s animated chatter. I realized that silence could convey just as much as words and that both our hearts were heavy with the impending goodbye. I felt the emotional weight as we settled into my dorm and during our farewell in the parking lot the next day.
Mom:
After all the packing and settling in, it was finally time for my husband and me to leave. Having already navigated this process with our eldest child, I thought I was prepared. However, this time, there was no family nearby, no one to assure my son that he could always drop by for dinner. As I prepared to leave, I was confronted with the bittersweet truth of motherhood: I was about to fly away from my son. I handed him a coin I had saved for this occasion, one adorned with a lucky clover, reminding him to keep it close for times of uncertainty. Our eyes met, and in that moment, I noticed a glimmer—was it a tear? I wasn’t certain until he pulled me in for a hug, followed by his dad, and then a group embrace. I told him I loved him and believed in him. I hoped he absorbed my words.
Son:
It was only in that moment that I truly felt the weight of goodbye. I had anticipated excitement for school, yet the farewell proved challenging. In hindsight, it had been difficult to say goodbye to my dog, my room, and my friends, too. And then they were gone. The reality of my departure struck me hard; I felt guilty for leaving them behind. As I turned my back, I heard their car drive away, and I realized the true depth of the separation.
Mom:
Watching him walk toward campus one last time, I caught a glimpse of the boy he was, as he prepared to become a man. A lifetime of love: I hope he understands it’s everlasting.
Son:
Eventually, I came to realize that the initial ease of saying goodbye stemmed from the knowledge that nothing and no one is truly gone. My parents, my dog, my room, and my friends remain in my heart and thoughts. If I felt that way, I knew they did too. With this understanding, the goodbye became less daunting.
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In summary, this reflective piece captures the emotional journey of a mother and son as they navigate the bittersweet transition of leaving home for college. While the initial goodbyes may feel manageable, the deeper connections and love remain, offering comfort as they both embark on new chapters in their lives.