Letters from home

I left my heart in Charlotte last night. The house is quiet this morning…even though the Lad slept until at least 10 am (and later if he wasn’t working), his very presence filled the house with a constant energy that being 21 brings.  When awake, there is this vibe of love and laughter, the promise of youth.  Now…the house is emtpy; even the dogs are subdued.  

This year, he moved into his first bachelor pad house with 3 friends, pulsing the hopes and dreams of young adulthood.  I followed him down to Charlotte last night, with a few pieces of furniture in my car.  He and his best friend showed me around their house with such pride.  Through a mother’s eyes, I wondered about the safety of the neighborhood, and to tell the truth, about the cleanliness of the place.  There is no cleaning service like there was in the dorm; no cafeteria to run to ; no RA or maintenance to solve problems.    But they’ll figure it out, just like we once did. 

As I was helping him this weekend, I ran across a stack of cards I’d sent him over the last two years.  He’d save them all.  These small pieces of paper made and sent with love with words of encouragement from home:  I love you;  You’re doing great; I’m proud of you; You can do it; You’re best; I miss you.  Statements from the heart meant to support, uplift, and bring comfort.  Even though we text almost daily, and talk on the phone at least once a week, this ‘happy’ mail also conveys  the unspoken motherly thoughts and prayers:  I hope you’re ok; I worry about you; Come home.

I joined Stampin’ Up! to keep me busy, to give me something ‘to do’ with my boy so far from home.  I didn’t realize that a little paper, ribbon, and ink would also help me say, “I love you.”  I’m going to dry my tears now…and make my boy a card.