When your child leaves the nest. :(

[BigJimW]

As a single parent, I find it tough when my son decides to spread his wings and fly solo into this crapstorm we call life. My oldest son is going to Las Vegas for hopefully a good job. Lord knows he's looked enough around here and there is nothing to be found.

So today, I spend the last day with my son doing what dads and sons do best. Fix a flat tire on his van. A scene that would even make Tim "The Toolman" Taylor proud.

So, as tears pour over my cheeks as I type this, I pray to God that my son is successful in life.

So Patrick, AKA Smiley05 here, no matter where you go in life, you can always remember that you have family that loves you very much.

Godspeed son.

 

[Sun Vaporer]

Good read Jim. I wish your son all the best in his new endevors. Seeing him go I am sure is going to be hard, but who knows--you may end out there as well ---Big "High Rolling" Jim!!


Sun

 

[jj2]

It's a proud moment and you wish so much for them, and it just breaks your heart.

You never know though, he might be back a couple times. Mine were (is).

 

[Wireguy]

I got a reprieve. My son was going of to college but ended up going to a local school! Was not looking forward to that.

Don't know what to else to say. Feel for you.

It's amazing how they take over your life, and how good it is.

 

[aschmidy]

Jim, this brought tears to my eyes. We have two boys ages 30 and 27. It's really tough to let go! They do come back, it's just 'different' when they do. I never knew when they talked about 'leaving the nest', what they were saying was 'the end of an era'. But, we are finding there is more to come. They have to leave, and change tires all by themselves to become a man.
It is heartbreaking to see them go. But I am sure you did a great job, and he is well equipped for the world. If he is anything like his dad, I guess you have to ask 'is the world ready for him!

 

[BigJimW]

Jim, this brought tears to my eyes. We have two boys ages 30 and 27. It's really tough to let go! They do come back, it's just 'different' when they do. I never knew when they talked about 'leaving the nest', what they were saying was 'the end of an era'. But, we are finding there is more to come. They have to leave, and change tires all by themselves to become a man.
It is heartbreaking to see them go. But I am sure you did a great job, and he is well equipped for the world. If he is anything like his dad, I guess you have to ask 'is the world ready for him!

Well, if Pat returns, it WILL bring a tear to my eye, along with the "Oh WHAT THE *bleeeep*?!?! The living room is gonna get destroyed again!"

The only reason I had to help with the tire changing deal was because the floor jack he was using was not working. So I stopped by to lend him the GM Goodwrench floorjack which, ironically, he gave me as a Christmas gift two years ago.

The exchange between father and son was classic

Pat, "It's a good thing I gave that to you for Christmas!"
BigJimW, "Yes it was, you're having more use for it than I am!" 8-o

Yes, that exchange really happened. Wish I videoed it.

 

[breezy]

My kids call me and come see me more since they moved out of the house. I never got to talk to them when they lived at home. Everyone had different schedules.

 

[beckah54]

Very sad, Jim. That's why I live close to my daughter. I couldn't stand not being able to see her whenever I want.

You've always got friends to chat with here when you feel down.

 

[BigJimW]

YouTube - Saying goodbye is not an easy thing to do... as you can tell from this video

 

[beckah54]

Tear you apart? I respect you for the deep love you have for your children and the fact that you love them enough to cry over them. There should be an award for single parents in my book.

 

[BigJimW]

Tear you apart? I respect you for the deep love you have for your children and the fact that you love them enough to cry over them. There should be an award for single parents in my book.

Err, I was crying because I found out that I drank the last beer and had no more. Yes, that's the ticket.

Thank you. Saying goodbye is not the easiest thing in the world to do when it comes to a parent and child. But it is nessisary.

 

[MHR7331]

Err, I was crying because I found out that I drank the last beer and had no more. Yes, that's the ticket.

Thank you. Saying goodbye is not the easiest thing in the world to do when it comes to a parent and child. But it is nessisary.

Damn, he's lucky to have a dad like you Really touching post... I should go high-five my own dad or something... lol

 

[Piedlourde]

My son just moved into his own place right before Thanksgiving. He's 23 and it was time, but I worry still. He has another year of school to finish and I'm afraid life is going to get in the way.

*sigh*

 

[ladyraj]

It's never easy. My 3 boys left each according to their own time-frame. Now I have 6 grandkids to spoil and give back to their parents. HeHe! I'm raising a grandson and it seems as though I'm much more effective and relaxed this time around. (I had all that practice with my 3 sons). I guess I'll go thru the empty nest syndrome one more time. Then I'll take a trip around the world!

 

[Madame Psychosis]

I'm 25. I was always close with my parents, but the older I get, the more I am also friends with them. Now that I'm independent in the practical stuff, we can communicate about the big things -- life, love, work -- and I admire (and draw on) their wisdom and experience more.

With the love you obviously have for your son, you'll find the relationship only becomes deeper and fuller with time. (Yeah, that means you're obligated to tell the stories you wouldn't tell them when they were teenagers. )

 

[nccowgirl]

It is hard to let them go!

 

[BigJimW]

Well, looks like there was more to meet the eye when he left

Yup, the two are getting married. WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED ABOUT THESE THINGS?



Got a call from my son tonight. Looks like I'm gonna be a grandpa soon. All this time nobody knew.

It's all coming so fast.

 

[PTJD]

Well, looks like there was more to meet the eye when he left

Yup, the two are getting married. WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED ABOUT THESE THINGS?



Got a call from my son tonight. Looks like I'm gonna be a grandpa soon. All this time nobody knew.

It's all coming so fast.

Well Jim, Congrats Man! I meant Grand-pa!

 

[jj2]

Well, looks like there was more to meet the eye when he left

Yup, the two are getting married. WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED ABOUT THESE THINGS?



Got a call from my son tonight. Looks like I'm gonna be a grandpa soon. All this time nobody knew.

It's all coming so fast.

Wow, nothing like waiting to the last minute to tell Grandpa.
Congrats and you're doing to love it.

 

[jj2]

Now that I've had a minute to think about it, did son really not say a word and keep girlfriend from you all this time?