A most remarkable thing happened during my month of blog silence. In May my son graduated from the University of Mississippi. As many of you know, I was beginning to despair of this event ever taking place. So firmly set was I on a four-year plan that when it stretched to five I lost all hope. Evidently five years is much more the norm now than four but it truly seemed an eternity to me.
My son graduating from college marks a huge milestone for us both. Like first steps, first teeth, first dates and first unaccompanied drive in the family car, graduating from college represents a giant step forward in the measurable march of time. Where exactly did that baby I bought home from the hospital go, and how did he get there so fast?
I’ve no doubt that his hand will still stretch out for help from time to time, but my role has now changed in a big way. His life is now his life and his plans are his plans. I can still make suggestions and offer advice, but it is no longer mine to say yes or no. It’s a good feeling but a little strange too.
A few months before he graduated my son met a lovely girl and, as so often happens, his plans have changed completely. No longer is he immediately rushing off to L.A. to find his fame and fortune. She’s a junior and so he’ll stay in Oxford, working and hopefully saving his money, for another year until she graduates. Her plans are to go to graduate school somewhere and at this point he plans to follow along, hoping that they end up in an area with a thriving film community. Austin perhaps?
Who knows what will really happen next but I feel a great weight lifted from my shoulders. He is a wonderful, sweet, loving person and I did my best to raise him to face the challenges of life with intelligence and sensitivity. He’s launched. I happily take my place on the sidelines.
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7 comments:
Congrats; I'm so happy for you guys!
I've been there twice already and what a relief when you finally realize he is what he is. Congrats on a job well done!
Thanks to you both. Only time will tell about the good job part, it's out of my hands now!
I can so relate as my oldest son also graduated this year. He wants to attend graduate school and now he's on his own. Congratulations to you and your son.
Congratulations - it is truly a milestone! You've passed the baton into his hands and can now enjoy that new place on the sidelines - well done, Mom.
I've been wanting to tell you about a place you may really like - the John C. Campbell Folk School in Murphy, NC - only 2 hours from Nashville. You can look them up at folkschool.org. They offer weekend or weeklong classes in traditional folk art from blacksmithing to papermaking - textile arts, woodworking, cooking, gardening, weaving, etc. It's been around since the 30's & has a fascinating history. If you send for their catalog, it in itself will provide interesting reading - literally hundreds of classes taught by accomplished artists from around the world.
My son and I went there recently - he is interested in their blacksmithing & woodworking classes. It's a beautiful place, and I thought of you while we were there - it would make a great day trip!
Sorry - I meant to say the folk school is 2 hours from Knoxville, not Nashville. My son was performing in Nashville last night, I guess it was on my mind!
@Jill - thanks so much, I'll check that place out post haste. The fact that it's near Knoxville makes it even more convenient. It sounds right up my alley as I'm a great one for taking classes.
Performing in Nashville? How exciting!
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