My Son Only Comes Home to Visit Now

home insemination Kit

It’s been a long three months since my firstborn left for college, and now he’s back for a visit. Tonight, I can’t help but grin from ear to ear. The sink is overflowing with dinner dishes, and the washing machine is once again groaning under the weight of laundry. The refrigerator door has been swung open and shut so many times that I half-expect a light bulb to blow out from overuse.

My son looks great—healthy and genuinely happy. When he talks about life on campus, his enthusiasm fills the kitchen, and his laughter tugs at my heart in a way that feels almost overwhelming.

We gather around to chat, and his father is firing questions about classes and grades. I can’t help but think back to just a week ago when that yogurt in the fridge was slowly going sour because he wasn’t here to eat it. The orange juice has turned tart, and those bananas? Well, they’re definitely not looking their best. After three months of him being away, I still haven’t quite mastered the art of shopping for a household that doesn’t revolve around him.

He’s thriving at school, living the dream he always talked about. I can’t help but smile as he passes a mirror and comments on how he’s cut down on carbs and upped his protein intake. It’s hard to resist pointing out that looking good is pretty easy at 19. He’s strong now; hugging him feels like wrapping your arms around a tree trunk. When I ask about his sleep and how he’s feeling, he beams and says everything’s fantastic. He’s working hard and meeting all kinds of interesting people, and his eyes light up with the stories he shares.

I remember when he first started kindergarten, and I had a glimpse of what life would be like as he began to carve out his own space in the world. Picking him up after just a few hours, he was bursting with excitement about projects and stories from his teacher. I felt joy for him, but the realization that he would experience parts of life without me was a gut punch.

Time flies, doesn’t it? It’s as if we’re merely spectators in this whirlwind of years gone by, collecting memories along the way. The little green stool I painted for him still sits in the same spot, a reminder of a time when he needed it to reach the sink. It feels surreal that it remains there, as if it could ever go back to its original purpose.

Now, I can’t help but think, “Tell me everything.” I wait for the right moment to ask about his haircut, whether there’s a great pasta place nearby, and if his first night away felt strange.

• “Are those boots keeping your feet warm?”
• “Do you have a buddy system when you go out? Please say yes.”
• “Why don’t I see you wearing a hat in any of your photos? Do you need another one?”

Knowing the little details helps me picture him in those moments when he’s not around. I can visualize him at 9:01, 2:50, or 11:09, going about his day.

Things have changed. The duffel bag in his room is a constant reminder that this is just a visit. Ponder that for a moment—your child coming home to visit.

As I watch him share stories about his new life, I’m surprised at how well I’m coping. I always thought I’d be lost when he left, imagining myself wandering around, confused, trying to adjust to life with one less child. Instead, I find joy in his happiness and relief that he’s settled in so well. Amidst the pride I feel, there’s still that lump in my throat. He’s home, but it’s not quite the same as it was for those 18 years. Yet, somehow, I’m okay. It’s amazing how love can triumph over what I expected to be an ache in my heart.

For more insights on parenting and family life, check out our other blog post on terms and conditions. And if you’re looking for expert advice on home insemination, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource. You can also explore Kindbody for more tips on pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

In this reflective piece, Jamie Turner shares the bittersweet experience of her son returning home from college after three months. The joy of seeing him healthy and happy contrasts with the realization that he’s carving out a life apart from her. Through loving observations, she navigates the changes in their relationship and finds strength in his newfound independence, while still grappling with her own feelings of nostalgia.