What is your longest kid-free stretch?

I remember my first business trip after I had my oldest, Pyper.  She was 2.5 months old.  I cried and videoed myself because, you never know, my plane could have crashed.  (Am I the only one who thinks this way?) 

I survived that trip, as did she.  Over the course of her 21 years, I took over 100 business trips, and both she and her siblings were used to mom traveling; it was our norm. 

Four years ago, Jackson (14) went to Peru for a month with an immersive travel program (Where There Be Dragons) for 4 weeks.  He would be without a phone, need to wake himself up in the morning (the kid can sleep until 2pm), budget and keep track of his money in a foreign country with a group of kids his age and 2 guides.  They would be trekking, camping and he would live with a host family in Cusco.  He is my baby and leaving him at Miami airport was one of the hardest things I have ever done. 

Then there is the college drop off.  Last fall, Francesca was starting her freshman year at College of Charleston.  She is my baby girl (Francesca and Jackson are twins) and saying goodbye outside her dorm was bloody hard, it was prolonged, included lots of tears and many waves as I departed. 

Cut to today, the twins are wrapping up their freshman year while P is still in DC studying for exams to conclude her Jr. year. 

Now to the point; I have not seen Jackson in 4 months! (He goes to the University of UT.)  He stayed in UT for spring break while I went to Charleston to visit Francesca (I visited him during parents’ weekend last fall; 3 kids in college – all in different states is … exciting!)

So – 4 months!  That is a long time, and I miss him!

We are not the mom / son combo that talks every day, hell we don’t even talk every week.  Please note:  I call him every week, he is just very busy (skiing, friends, camping, girlfriend, and sometimes school). 

I found myself thinking about him when he was younger-- his exuberance, smile, happy nature and wild hair.  Ugghh -  the time DID go fast!  He is now 18 and he’s still passionate, curious, quick to smile and yes, still has wild hair.

Four months is a long time to be away from your son (or daughter), but he is truly living his best life.  Every time I talk to him, we discuss a gorgeous hike, the food he made while camping for 10 days during spring break, the flowers he picked for his gf, art he is working on in school, night skiing….  The kid has a zest for life that frankly I have never seen it’s equal. 

So, while mom is missing him --  I know he is exactly where he should be in his life;  enjoying his freedom while exploring what lights him up.   

His love of life is infectious and is a reminder to enjoy life, especially the small wonders. 

The best news!?  He comes home in 4 hours!  YES!!! 

Now I better go buy some food for the house. 

Cheers to you and yours.  Xo.

Jennifer

Author of Not Your Mother’s Advice

www.jenniferlancasterdana.com