This summer we will drop our daughter off at college and suddenly… we’re asking for tables for 2 instead of 3 at restaurants, buying 2 movie tickets instead of 3…. and most shocking to me, traveling as a duo for the first time in over 18 years.
Since Alexa’s birth in 2001, my husband and I have never taken a couples only vacation. He has gone away for time with his friends and I did the same with mine. But this fall will be the first time that we will go away together without our loveable third.
I’ve heard from many people that this is fairly common. As parents we are singularly focused on our children’s needs and tend to forgoe our own. After 9+ years of traveling together for lacrosse, college visits and of course vacations it truly feels strange to be planning a trip without her.
I know that this will be our new normal moving forwards, and I truly believe that as spouses we need this step apart as much as she does as a young adult. But…. it really does still sting a bit.
So here’s to all my fellow parents who are either already “empty nesters” or my fellow parents of the high school graduating class of 2019. We will possibly stumble away from them in tears at move in day…. but just focus on the horizon and look for the sunshine. I’ll be doing so most likely in Bermuda this fall.
Travels with the Cricket 