My boys are gone and I am verklempt. There are always big highlights for your high schooler: driver’s license, graduation, off to college. And we have always sent our boys off on summer trips, or summer camps, or family visits without us. This summer is a little different.

My youngest is an exchange student in Germany for half the summer. Today is his first day of school. It’s all in German. As a former college exchange student and summer worker in a foreign country, I am well aware of the language barrier. Go with God buddy. Anne Lamott’s prayer: Thanks, Help, Wow will come in handy.

My oldest left this morning to be a camp counselor for half the summer. This big kid is going to be responsible for other people’s kids. What? Go with God Owen. I know the camp motto is “I am third.” Show them how it’s done.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, my husband and I are making plans to stay busy so we don’t miss them too much. He has his work of course and his golf. I may have to eat my right hand to keep from texting the boys every day. I took to the bed this past weekend in denial, but I am determined to rally. I am learning to play mahjong and I have joined club pilates. We shall see if it helps. Last night we committed to two date nights a week with the idea of trying as many new or unvisited restaurants in town as we can!

For those who have gone before us, wish us well. For those who are still in the baby weeds, bless you. For those on those blazing hot little league ballfields, I do not miss that at all, but I will toast you with my diet coke from the air conditioned inside.

We chose this. We chose to raise brave, inquisitive, traveling young men with big hearts and open minds. We raised them to launch unafraid. I just hope they remember how to fly back home once in a while. The nest is always open.

Love Y’all, Marla