48 Hours From Now

48 hours from now, my son will be ending his first day away at college. 

It all started with the words, "Did you know you're pregnant?"  I can't stop thinking about that moment.  Time stood still.  Then, once the initial shock wore off, time resumed and went faster, and faster and here we are, 19 years later.

48 hours from now, I'll be in my room, crying into my pillow.

His first day of kindergarten was so fun.  We had a nice breakfast and packed his "Elmo" lunch bag together.  I'd put in carrots, he'd put in an extra cupcake.  I'd take out the cupcake, he'd put in his favorite "Matchbox" car.  The drive to the school was full of laughing and excitement.  Holding hands, we walked to the door.  I was given a hug, an "I love you mommom", and off he went, taking my heart with him.

48 hours from now, my son will be unpacking his clothes, and organizing his dorm.

When the orthodontist put the braces on, he was not happy.  His teeth hurt, the inside of his mouth was sore, but the milkshake he had on the way home really hit the spot.  Of course he didn't want to go to school the next day.  He went, and was much happier once he saw his buddy just had braces put on too.

48 hours from now, I'll be checking the calender and marking when Thanksgiving break starts.

Sports were such a big deal.  Track and field is his passion. He did play basketball and baseball though.  When his school started a football team, he was right there.  The day he made a home run, the only one of the game, he had a smile on his face for a week.  Everyone was cheering and yelling his name.  What a great day that was for him.

48 hours from now, my son will be in his dorm, on his computer, telling his girlfriend how great it is to be in college.

The night of graduation, he looked fantastic.  So tall in his cap and gown, his many ribbons and awards hanging from his neck.  I was so proud I almost burst.  One part of his life ended.  He walked out of the building through the same doors he had walked in on his first day.  As I stood there realizing the irony, he turned around.  He gave me a hug, an "I love you mom", and off he went with his friends, still holding onto my heart.

48 hours from now, I'll be missing him so much, but so proud of the man he's become.  He'll always have my heart, but I'll always have his smile, his laughter, and his love.