Summer officially ends on September 22. It’s been one hot doozy here in Michigan.
It’s also been one hot doozy of a few months for my emotions as a mom, too. That’s because my oldest graduated high school, turned 18, and left for college.
Since some of you do not follow me on social media (Hi, Debby!) or you may have missed a few of my posts, here are the milestones of the Summer of 2021 for this Experienced Bad Mom.
Graduation
My son’s high school graduation in June was lovely, but soooo hot. There was a short and sweet ceremony, lots of pictures afterwards with family and friends, and a celebratory sushi lunch in a nice, air conditioned restaurant.
18th birthday
My son turned 18 in July. We marked the occasion with gifts and love. And a letter from the pediatrician’s office telling him he had to leave their practice and find an adult doctor.
Maybe this picture of him getting his height measured at the pediatrician’s office explains why he’s been kicked out, lol.
Vacation
Before COVID, our son decided he’d rather go on a big trip than have a graduation open house.
After COVID, he stuck to that decision. It’s just that we weren’t going somewhere too far away, like Europe.
He picked out west and we had a great time exploring sites in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. We made lots of memories!
Packing for college
I started ordering dorm room supplies and making lists of what he needed in June.
My son started packing at 3pm the day before we left to take him to college. He was done by 3:45!
He took this basket of goodies that our neighbors gave him. My son’s been mowing their lawn for 2 summers and the young couple wanted to pay it forward after all the people who had helped them in their own college journeys.
They were so smart, too. It contained all the little things (Hand soap for his bathroom! Extra batteries!) that this mom didn’t have on her list.
College Drop Off
Like the rest of the Summer of 2021, college drop off day was soooo hot. But we persevered, even while moving our son into a dorm without air conditioning. How barbaric.
He didn’t cry when we said goodbye, rather he walked smiling into a big group of kids for orientation.
As soon as I turned away and walked away without him, though, I cried.
It’s been a good start I think. So far, so good. For him more than for me.
So that’s my summer of milestones as a mom. Thanks for indulging me.
By the way, my youngest is a freshman in high school. I’ve got four more years to smother her while she’s under my roof before I roll through these milestones again!
