He climbs out of the car, his tall frame unfolding as he gathers his backpack and laptop. A faint mix of cologne and that unmistakable scent of teenage boy wafts from him, and his hair is styled with “product” (just a heads up, kids today don’t refer to it as gel or mousse). He flashes me a quick smile, his braces catching the light, and says, “See you later, Mom, love you.” I watch him stroll toward the bus, one shoelace trailing behind. He boards the bus and waves goodbye from the window, and I see that yellow bus whisk him away to begin his day.
It’s another small farewell, inching us closer to the big goodbye that looms just a few years ahead. The goodbye that will tug at my heartstrings—the one where he’ll say, “See you later, Mom, I’ve got this,” as we drop him off at his college dorm. That moment will mean he won’t be sitting next to me in the car, rain softly pattering on the roof while we listen to our favorite tunes together, waiting for the bus.
There have been countless “See you later, Mom” milestones, each one a testament to his growing independence. So many times I’ve watched him walk away, thinking I had all the time in the world for him to run back to me. But soon, far too soon, I’ll be watching him chase his dreams, leaving the nest behind.
I never realized those little moments were preparing me for the day I’d need to let go and trust him to navigate life without me right by his side.
“See you later, Mom! I’ve got a playroom to ransack!”
As I held him steady and released my grip, his chubby feet padded across the hardwood floor, each step toward his dad filled with giggles and pride. We laughed as he toppled over, unaware that those first steps would lead him to heartbreaks in size 11 sneakers.
“See you later, Mom! They have Play-Doh here!”
I remember snapping a photo of him, proudly donning his Thomas the Tank Engine backpack, storming into preschool for his first day. Little did I know that one day I’d watch him walk into high school for the final time.
“See you later, Mom! I’m going to ride to the stop sign by myself!”
I held his bicycle seat tightly, running alongside him until I could barely breathe, cheering him on until the moment my hand slipped away, and he soared forward. I didn’t realize that watching his little self wobble on a two-wheeler would lead to the day I’d feel that familiar terror as he gripped a steering wheel, waving goodbye from the porch with my heart racing.
“See you later, Mom. No need to walk me to the door; none of the other parents do…”
When I dropped him off at his first co-ed party, I felt a wave of nerves wash over me, recalling my own awkward teenage years. I realized that one day, he’d be navigating college parties, making choices far beyond my watchful eye.
“See you later, Mom. Thanks for doing my laundry…”
As I sighed, staring at the chaos of his room, I realized that his messy life was a sign of his presence. Soon, he’ll be standing at our door with a hefty laundry bag, his room empty except for a few childhood treasures left behind.
“See you later, Mom. Thanks for the extra cash.”
When I heard the ice cream truck’s jingle on a sunny afternoon, I raced to catch him with a five-dollar bill. Watching him return with a melting cone, I cherished those lazy summer days. Soon, he won’t be chasing the ice cream truck anymore; instead, I’ll be slipping him cash “for books,” knowing it might be spent on something else.
“See you later, Mom. She’s the one, and I can’t wait to marry her.”
I remember cuddling with him on the couch, fresh from a bath, as he declared his love for me. Someday, I’ll watch him nervously adjust his tie, waiting for his beloved to walk down the aisle. My heart will swell with joy, even as tears fill my eyes, knowing he’s found his happily ever after.
As the bus disappears into the morning light, I whisper, “See you later, Son.” I patiently await that “later” to come.
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In summary, every farewell, no matter how small, is a reminder of the journey of growth and independence we share. The bittersweet nature of these moments prepares us for the inevitable big goodbyes, filled with love and hope for what lies ahead.