It’s been an incredible few days. Cheryl and I returned tonight from Florida where our oldest son Jeremy married Mary, his high school sweetheart. They are a beautiful couple. The beach wedding was wonderful, they wrote their own vows, and God was glorified (I’ll share more about this later). I performed the ceremony and our youngest son Nate was best man. I only choked up once…or twice…maybe three times…but was able to get through the ceremony. It was an incredible experience.
On the ride back from Florida, we stopped in Atlanta to drop off Nate who was catching a flight to Europe, where he is studying this summer. He will study the life of Paul from 1 Corinthians, Systematic Theology and the Reformation, in the countries of Italy, Germany and Switzerland. How cool is that? I walked him in, saw that he made it through security, then we began our journey again.
Cheryl was melancholy, but honestly, I was excited. We would truly be alone this week and she and I love our time together. This is such a great time in our marriage.
Cheryl’s mother and my mother went with us to Florida, so there was plenty of conversation in the car. 🙂 The ride passed quickly. We pulled into the driveway of our recently purchased “empty nester” condo, I walked in the door, and…well…I started to cry. I can’t explain it, but suddenly the reality of two of our bedrooms being empty…perhaps forever…just overwhelmed me for a moment.
It’s been a great weekend…and the past couple years with Nate being in Chicago and Jeremy transitioning out has taught me that this season is going to be okay…it really is. I love my life and I love my wife. That’s a great feeling!
For tonight though…I may still shed a tear…
Where are you at in the parenting cycle? Tell me about your kids!
And are we to understand they were 'tears of joy' you shed??
Just as it should be after you and your wife have successfully trained up your boy according to the way!
What blessings!! and congratulations to you all!!
We are encouraged to see so many scriptures fulfilled as you shared your very personal story – may your family continue to enjoy God's Abundant Blessings for the next chapter of your lives 🙂 !
Yes, tears of joy indeed!
Those transitional times are hard!
We've pushed through it with each child – one stayed behind when we moved to another state, and the other got married last fall.
I think the best result from transitions for us, is that Robert and I had the chance to reprioritize and make concious decisions on how life would look. Each time it meant letting go – but what we 'got' was exciting and fresh.
Robert and I are in our 'newest' honeymoon phase – just the two of us. We're really enjoying it!
Thanks Lori. Great encouragement.
–Soon to be 20 year old college freshman that is working full time this summer and still with us here at home (I'm thankful….even though we don't see him as often as through his high school years)…but know that he will soon be moving on.
–23 year old daughter with son-in-law and 2 dogs in tow (here visiting and moving back to town, I'm thankful:)
–Husband of 30 years and myself with lots of dogs….(I'm thankful:)
Your home might be empty at the moment, but it won't be for long, which is totally cool (they seem to gather again with spouses, grandchildren and sometimes even pets…..I'M VERY THANKFUL:)
Enjoyed the wonderful post….but one word of joyful warning to parents of small children, take it all in, it passes too quickly.
Sounds like a great life….it does pass to quickly!
I can understand how my parents will be feeling away from me. True, it's difficult to cope up.
BTW, my blessings and prayers for the newly weds.
Thanks Uma!
At this moment we are chasing around a toddler in our parenting cycle. I’m grateful for parents a few steps ahead of us that we can gain insight and wisdom from. 🙂
Emily, you and Daniel are and will be great parents!
I totally relate. 4 yrs ago this Sept, we stood on a beach in Hilton Head as Joe officiated our oldest daughter’s wedding. As they jetted off to a resort in Mexico, we made the drive home w/mom and youngest daughter in tow. This yr, our youngest turned 21. She will most likely be moving out this summer. We are still in our home, but fixing up to sell in the next yr or two. We are excited, a little stunned at the speed in which life moves, but very thankful for blessings of our sweet and happy family. Tears are fine. And they still show up on occasion for us. At the end of the day, Joe and I are looking forward to this next season. Like you and your amazing bride, we plan on making the most of every single day!
Thanks Pam. It's a good season.
Twitter: mrsmilton0304
says:
Praying for y’all.
Thank you!
Sweet. You are truly blessed!
Absolutely!