Packing…

Today, we packed our second-born son for his freshman year at college.

Tomorrow, we’ll move him in.
On Saturday, we’ll pack our first-born son for his junior year at college.
On Sunday, we’ll move him in.
And somewhere between now and then, my heart will hurt and grieve the passage of time, all the while being incredibly grateful for the years we’ve been given together beneath the same roof.
A family. One I would have never predicted, yet one that is so beautifully woven with the golden threads of heaven and a Father’s sacred and unifying love.
I love my boys. Seems like yesterday we were packing bookbags.

Now, we’re packing our good-byes. Ones that cut more profoundly and with more clarity. Ones that leave me hoping that our years together have been enough to launch them in the right direction.

Pray for me friends. I’ll see you on the other side of some miles and some hugs and some tears that are sure to wet my heart. As always…

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36 Responses to Packing…

  1. Blessings my dear one… I can't even imagine… don't even want to imagine… letting your precious ones take flight.

  2. I know what your heart is feeling right now, just moved Kristin back in today. As the rain fell on my head it was a reminder that the Lord would be with them and us.

  3. I've walked this road Elaine so my heart feels your pain and hurts with you. But there is such joy at every stage of life that even in your sadness you will experience His grace. blessings, marlene

  5. Oh, Elaine. These pictures. They just grip my heart!

    For the record, you look most beautiful between those two handsome bookends!

    Sending prayers.

  6. Amen, Elaine. I'm praying for you…you pray for me, too! As you know, we're taking one boy to college tomorrow, too, and our other son on Wednesday.

    I love the photo of your boys in their younger years. I just might have to post one of my boys, too…thanks for a great idea!

    Love you, girl…
    Beth

  7. Oh Elaine! Your boys are so handsome and you are so beautiful! I love the picture of them when they were little too. The memories must just be flooding your heart right now. I am praying for you.
    Christy

  8. Oh Elaine, I'm sure it must be difficult letting go. I loved seeing the contrast in photos as they are growing up quickly. I'm sure you've done a great job in raising them and now it's there time to shine and grow. A big hug is off to you today, my friend.

  9. Oh, I remember that day. Sending my son off to college wasn't easy but I knew it had to happen. And in two more years my daughter will be facing her own future.

    I know your heart and will pray for you.

  10. Elaine,

    I supposed these earthly transitions ultimately prepare us for our transition out of this earth–away from friends and loved ones–and into the incredible newness of heaven and the presence of Jesus.

    God bless you as you move your precious sons to college. I just love, love, love the book bag picture!!

    Leah

  11. So now I have a lump in my throat …

    When my oldest left home I thought I would cry for months. I think I did. I missed him so-o-o-o much. When the 2nd left, I really boo-hoo'd. But when the third/final one left, I think I threw a party.

    Such wonderful, bittersweet days. You're in my thoughts and prayers, friend.

    Hugs and much love,
    Kathleen

  12. Oh sweet friend. Been there. Done that. It's as a simple reminder that I say this: When you let go of their hands, grab hold of His heart. It's not only might to save, it's mighty to comfort.

    My prayers and love are yours,

    Melinda

  14. I am going to be praying for you this weekend! My little brother is leaving for his first year of college next weekend and it is killing me! It seems like just yesterday he learned to tie his shoes! I can't imagine how hard it would be with your own sons…

  15. Dearest Elaine~ I am praying for you this very moment! Praying that the Lord comforts and strengthens your mother's-heart, and asking that He brings to remembrance everything you invested in your boys! I pray that they will act on God's wisdom and obedience as they seek and trust Him in their young adult lives.

    May our Lord surround you today and through the weekend especially, lift you up, and fill you with unexplainable peace and joy!!!

    With love and continued prayers… Jennifer

  17. Oh Elaine I am praying for you. I can't even imagine. Our oldest just started kindergarten and that is hard enough. Thank you for your honesty and transparency and the reminder to be present.

  18. I need my kleenex! That pic of the boys with their backpacks is tearing me up!!I will call you next week. You and the fam are in my prayers!!
    Love you!
    Susan

  19. Boy, that's a lot of emotion packed into a few days. Tough days. I remember the goodbyes — and the tears — well. My heart goes out to you, Elaine!

  20. Hello dear one…you've been on my heart heavy for about the last week. I'm sorry it's taken me days to tell you so. Be assured you've been lifted in preparation for this weekend. Among many others, I'll be praying you through these next few days as well. Sending a heartfelt hug your way.

    Love,
    Tracy

    Love,
    Tracy

  21. Oh…I remember well dropping off my girl at Southern Nazarene University (my Alma Mater) for her Freshman year…tears flowed like rain. Equally so…seeing our son sworn into the United States Air Force was a cause for misty eyes as well.

    Like you I wondered if I had done enough…been enough…shared enough…loved enough…

    Now my babies are 24 and 27. We are very, very close and I'm being rewarded for all those years of loving sacrifice and instruction.

    I feel for you…I understand your heart.

    Bless you.

    Rebecca

  22. As the mother of three very grown up children…my BABY is 29….I can certainly identify with some of your emotions this weekend! And never fear….their years at home with you HAVE been enough to launch them in the right direction! They're in God's hands and what a great place to be!

    Love you!

    Marilyn…in Mississippi

  24. Oh how this tenders my heart as I remember only too well of saying goodbye and hello to a new journey as my step-son left our home after living as a family for FOUR years. The goodbye was difficult as he headed for bootcamp, a time of no communication for many weeks.

    Thinking of you with much love,
    Yolanda

  26. I'm praying for you.

    I am so fortunate in that my daughter lives at home and goes to college. She is in her junior year. Classes begin Monday and this semester is going to be a doosey.

    Sheryl

  27. I too am a little bittersweet over the passage of time–a little surprising since I am not generally sentimental. But when we took the annual first day of school picture on the porch, I realized I only have TWO MORE pictures like that with all four of my boys. Where did the time go? I know, I know, we raise them to let them go and I do. I just didn't know it would come so fast!

    Blessings to you and your boys!

  29. Oh, Elaine, what a bittersweet time. I'm a mother who never cried when her daughter went to preschool … or kindergarten … or elementary school … or middle school. But the very thought of sending her off to college brings an immediate lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. **Big Sigh** I'm praying for you, my friend, and for your sons, as they (and you!) embrace a new life chapter. May you all be richly blessed with peace for the journey. 🙂

  30. Elaine,

    While I cannot really imagine right now what you must be going through I do know the love you have for your boys. I will be praying.

    Time sure has a way of passing by rather quickly. All the more reason to stop and take each and every moment as it comes. Enjoy it to the fullest. Thanking and praising God all the way!

  31. So begins yet another broken as we let our children go. We stand firm with the confidence that we have taught them well and that they are passionate about their love for Jesus. Don't forget to tuck tissue in your handbag, pockets, up your sleeve, in your socks and under the seat of your car. Love to you!!!

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  33. Oh, dear, they do grow up fast. Yesterday, packing bookbags, today boxes for college, and tomorrow clothes for their kids! Been there! Carpe diem! Love each moment and stage when it is here. And tomorrow generally brings joy we had no idea would be there — look forward to that. (I am such a Pollyanna – the glass is always just about to overflow even if it is entirely empty at the moment. But it helps with such moments.)

  35. Sweet Sister,

    Praying for you for sure and for your sons as they continue to go forward…

    Forward living…the only way to go in Christ.

    My heart embraces you. Love you.

  36. wifeforthejourney:

    I'm so glad we are in this together; all your work has made the "moving in" time smooth!

    Love you,
    Billy

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