Lying to myself

“The second time will be easier.”

I kept repeating this lie.

Over and over.

But whenever I saw the college gear accumulating in the dining room,

I felt a sharp pang in my midsection.

The pain worsened when I realized that some of the school supplies

were the same ones we used to buy when she was in first grade.

There were also dorm necessities,

like fans and rugs and late-night snacks.

Stuff kids need when they move away from home.

Change can be painful and scary,

but good things will come from it.

Yet right now, we kind of feel like the dog does

whenever someone pulls out of the driveway and leaves her.

We’re forlorn.

We miss our college kid.

And we’re barking at the neighbors.

.

This post brought to you by Sophomores in College.

Please tell our mothers that we’re just fine.