August 12, 2025: The Shifting Season

It feels like being shot in the chest with a shotgun.

Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration.

But that’s the best metaphor to capture the ache when any of the kids leave for an extended time. There’s a hole left.

Today, Jake backed out of the driveway for his junior year of college. For me, the most depressing days are when everyone scatters after summer break.

The sunshine season collapses into goodbye tail lights. Even Cali looks sad.

I’ll miss the daily touchpoints that keep us connected. Over the summer, our parenting routines bend around them — their late mornings, the later nights, their shifting plans, the energy.

It’s not all doom-and-gloom, though. I know fun times are ahead, and I’m truly excited about their adventures and connections with friends.

But almost as soon as they’re gone, my mind skips forward to the next break, picturing them walking back into the kitchen with their duffel bags, tired but smiling.

Missing you already, Jake.