I’ll Miss Her While She’s Away

home insemination Kit

“She (We dedicated our lives to her) / Is leaving (Gave up so much for her) / Home” —The Beatles

“She’s gone / I’d better learn how to deal with it / She’s gone / I’d do anything to have her back” —Hall & Oates

“Gone like a freight train” —Montgomery Gentry

The girl has officially left the nest.

She’s off to college, settling into her 10th-floor dorm in the busiest part of her sprawling D1 campus. Honestly, her floor probably has more students than her entire graduating class.

She’s buzzing with excitement, ready to take on the world, and honestly, no one who knows her is surprised.

Her last summer at home felt like she was a phantom. Juggling three jobs, I sometimes went days without seeing her, save for the fleeting scent of her shampoo as she zoomed past. Reflecting on it now, I think the universe conspired to help me acclimate to her absence.

She’s been itching to break free from her teenage years, and that restlessness had been building up like a speeding car. By the time the final graduation celebrations had cooled down, she was more than ready to leave her small town behind for good. I totally get it; she’s definitely her mother’s daughter!

After dropping her off, I waited a couple of days before stepping into her room. Honestly, I could have come armed with a steam cleaner or a bulldozer. (I know every mom of a teenage daughter gets this.) It was a disaster. I had held my tongue during the last weeks of summer, wanting a drama-free farewell. The stress of getting to departure day was enough, so I let her room descend into complete chaos.

As her final night at home wore on, I could feel her anxiety rising — evidenced by her frantic, “Where’s my insurance card?!” followed ten minutes later by a barely audible, “Oh, here it is.”

That little routine happened a few times.

She left in a whirlwind of excitement, ready to start a new chapter, and it was everything you’d expect: bittersweet, nostalgic, and a little bit of “can’t wait” on both sides.

I sent my oldest son off to the Air Force Reserves a couple of years ago, so this isn’t my first experience with sending a child away. However, with him, things were different. While she is restless, he was downright reckless. Honestly, I never slept so soundly as when he was safely tucked into boot camp. (A knowing nod to every mom of a wild teenage boy out there.) So, I have some practice with the whole missing-my-kids thing.

I find myself so genuinely thrilled for her that I don’t miss her quite as painfully as I expected. She checks in more often than she ever did when she lived at home, providing more details about her life than I even asked for, and relishing the pseudo-adult lifestyle she has longed for.

Let’s be clear though — I know this will come back to haunt me when she returns for winter and summer breaks. I can already sense the impending “Rules? What are these rules you speak of?” negotiations brewing. Good times are definitely ahead…

For now, I’ll patiently await her next text or call and savor each little victory of not rushing around like a headless chicken every morning looking for my comb, cream, mascara, or my beige sandals with cork heels. (Why bother looking for them when I’m sure they’re in her dorm room?)

For now, there are no wet towels on the floor.

But I miss having someone to watch “Rock of Ages” with every time it pops up on cable.

My heart skips a beat when I realize, with unexpected sadness, that I don’t have to order a special vegetarian dish when we get takeout.

And I’m definitely not smelling that expensive shampoo as often (Old Spice and Axe are around, but Herbal Essences? Not a chance.)

Still, I know she’s only away for a little while.

And I miss her. A lot.

As I wrapped up this piece, another text came in: “I miss you guys.”

See that? Maybe all that “Get me outta here!” stuff isn’t as prominent anymore.

Maybe she heard a classic ’80s tune from “Rock of Ages” and thought of me.

Perhaps after seeing my picture text, she’s slightly looking forward to coming home to a clean room for Thanksgiving.

No matter the reason, you bet I’m saving that text.

If you’re curious about more topics like this, check out our other blog posts for insights. And, if you’re looking into home insemination options, sites like this are great resources!

In summary, while the bittersweet pangs of separation tug at my heart, I find solace in her excitement and the little victories of each day. I know she’ll return, and until then, I’m cherishing every moment of this new chapter.