He's leaving on a jet plane

[Grace Linda]

But I do know he is coming back again.

The "he" my 8 year old son. He was traveling with his older cousin, (12), to visit their grandparents.

It would be my Nephew's 7th plane ride this summer. He has been flying alone since he was 7 multiple times during his winter, spring and summer vacations. Needless to say it was not a big deal for my sister in law.

But for my son and I it was a milestone and I have realized that Mommy needs to cut some apron strings. I know I have been overly involved and I believe it is because it is really just he and I. His father, my husband passed when he was 13 months old.

I did not cry when he walked down the hallway to the plane, rolling his big eyes over a shoulder cause I was calling out last minute instructions and encouragement. I had to wait until the plane left the ground before I went on home.

I got a call from him on the drive home from the airport. Yes the flight was fine and he sound excited and happy to see his grandparents. I was relieved.

At 8:40 last night I get a call from him in tears. "I miss you Mom!", I reminded him that he must be just really tired, we had gotten up at 4:30 in the morning. I said, "I know you are going to have a great time, I want you to have fun.", "But how can i have fun without you here?" he replied.

I feel certain this will be the last time I hear such longing come out his mouth in reference to me.

I do miss him and feel slightly lost too. We are both growing I guess.