As graduation season rolls around, students of all ages—preschoolers to PhD candidates—are celebrating their accomplishments. My oldest child, Jake, is finishing high school, and while I’ve been warned about the emotional rollercoaster this milestone brings, I find myself feeling surprisingly unphased.
I’ve looked back at those kindergarten performances and sifted through second-grade report cards filled with kind words from teachers. I’ve even stumbled upon baby photos and heartfelt Mother’s Day cards while preparing for all the senior tributes. Yet, none of these memories have triggered a flood of emotions. You might wonder why, and I think I have an answer.
Every year, a poignant poem circulates online that reflects on the “lasts” we experience with our children. It speaks of moments like carrying them on your hip for the final time or holding their hand to cross the street for the last time. While these sentiments are undeniably sweet, right now, I’m just ready to usher this 6-foot-tall, snack-gobbling, messy teenager into the next chapter of his life.
My List of “Lasts”
In fact, I have my own list of “lasts” to share:
- The moment your child enters their teenage years, things shift drastically. You might find yourself reminiscing about the days when entering his room didn’t require a gas mask, but those days are long gone—along with his willingness to heed your advice.
- This is the last time you’ll receive phone calls from the school about your son leaving campus without permission. On one such escapade, he executed a perfect spinout in the crowded parking lot, inadvertently colliding with a fellow student’s car before crashing into a light pole.
- These are also the final days when his room is cluttered not with toys but with every piece of cutlery you own, along with bowls and cups that have hardened remnants of milk stuck to their insides. But fear not, these chaotic times won’t last forever.
- Soon enough, you’ll log into iTunes and not see a shocking $107 worth of charges for a sports app or questionable music choices. You won’t witness your 18-year-old hitting a golf ball into the neighbor’s window anymore. And the day will come when he finally empties the dishwasher—only to find random measuring cups stuffed where frying pans should go.
- There will be a moment of pure joy when he packs away all his half-worn underwear, moldy towels, and empty deodorant cans—thinking they’re still useful, which they’re not—and walks out the door. That will be the last time you hear his car—which screeches loudly when it starts—drive away. Except, don’t get too comfortable with the thought of laundry-free days or no more reheating pizza rolls for this creature. Leaving permanently is the last thing on his mind.
So, forgive me if I’m not feeling nostalgic. He’s ready. He knows how to find food and utensils, can pack his belongings, and has a basic understanding of personal hygiene. Plus, I’m fairly certain he knows how to find his way home—but let’s hope it’s never for the last time.
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In summary, while graduation marks a significant transition, I’m approaching it with excitement rather than sadness. My son is prepared to embrace his future, and I’m ready to cheer him on from the sidelines as he embarks on this new adventure.