So our kids our growing up and moving out…yay! But not really. After spending 18 years, more or less, with each of our children we've kind of become attached to them. It’s not easy for us as Baby Boomers, who grew up in large families and, therefore, large schools and lots of family and friends, to actually let our kids go.

1. Our kids are part of us: have no doubt, our children define who we are and what we do. Gone are the days of two people madly in love with one another and the “fantasy” of playing house. Now the reality of babies turning to kids turning to teens turning to adults has changed the way we look at the world and the expectations we have.

2. Our kids are our reality: there is no pretending when you have kids. You can’t have the dreams you once had about climbing the corporate ladder or making a ton of money the easiest way possible. No, now you have to have that good paying job, works better if it comes with benefits, because now you have to feed these youngsters, teach them, and make sure they are exposed to different opportunities so that they can grow and find out who they are.

3. There’s no life like it: we do all these things but guess what, most of us wouldn't give it up for anything. We realize that our children “complete us”. Corny? But true. We really begin to understand ourselves as well as what is important in life. Our responsibilities are gladly taken as we proudly show our kids off to everyone who is willing to look at and adore them. Well, it doesn't work as well when they’re teenagers but you know what I mean.

4. They move out but we haven’t: so they’re gone and their adult lives have begun. But what about us? What about the proud parents that raised them, praised them, and offered opportunities to them? We’re still at home and often left wondering how the years could pass so quickly. We wander through the empty rooms that were once filled with laughter, pain, and even arguments. We hear these things echo down the hall as we wander and wish for the days that were.

This would be my entreaty to our kids: even though we knew this day was coming…we wish it hadn't while we wish you success and that you find the happiness and contentment that we found. Oh, the door will always be open…y’all come back now, ya hear!