Brain’s Nest is Feeling a Little Empty

It's a surreal feeling to watch one of your kids drive away alone for the first time. But it becomes even stranger when your youngest pulls out of the driveway and leaves.

Our youngest, Cayleigh, who is 15, got her school permit yesterday. It allows her to drive to and from school and school-related activities, including sports practices. So yesterday afternoon, I sat and watched our final young driver leave for the first time. I was in the house alone with two dogs and a cat. The nest is beginning to feel a little empty.

How are the three little kids in the above photo old enough to drive on their own? When did this happen? When your kids are babies and just entering school, you think that they'll be home forever. Then they get to high school and hang out with friends. They begin the process of finding their way in life without you. It can be a jarring change for many parents.

But that sense of freedom is never stronger than when they get their license. You no longer have to take them shopping, or to practice, or to the movies. Suddenly, your second career as an Uber driver is over. Now, don't get me wrong, this also gives parents a break, a little more freedom themselves! No more waiting in parking lots for practice to be over, only to get a text saying that they'll be staying another hour. They can drive themselves home!

Chase will be a junior at Iowa State this fall. We'll move him into his apartment next week. Carly will be a junior, and Cayleigh a sophomore at Marion High School. In just two more years, our next will be empty.

Nothing makes you realize how quickly time passes like watching your own children grow. Four years of high school are gone in the blink of an eye. Cherish each little moment you have with them before they're gone. Let them know that even though they will leave the nest, they are always welcome back.

Drive safe, kiddos.