It's going to turn out fine, Mark. We've sent five kids out into the world and it's wonderful to see how they grow into this new stage of adulthood. I love having adult kids; it's the best stage imo.
I used to wonder if there was something wrong with me because I wasn't sad to see them leave home; I found it exciting. But I understand why a lot of parents find it so hard.
Beautifully said. But trust me in a few days when you have a hankering for that little bit of leftover soup you will be happily surprised it’s still in the fridge, as with so many other goodies that would normally go mia. Or maybe that’s only with teenaged boys??🍅
I felt this hard today. My youngest started primary school today and, although it’s not the same as leaving home, it has that feeling that they’re a little less ours now. Which is absolutely as it needs to be, of course, but I’ll also allow myself a few of those invisible (and maybe also some visible) tears. I hope the new adventures go well and the soup works its magic.
What a beautiful, beautiful piece. Completely captured the pain and joy of a child leaving home- made me smile and cry at the same time. And then you give us a delicious and deliciously easy tomato soup recipe. I don’t think I’ve said just how much your wonderful writing lifts my heart (and my cooking)
Beautiful account of a hard moment that absolutely sneaks up on you. I was a mess for at least a fortnight after our son left for uni. Upside was I got to visit him in London and we had some very special days together visiting various sites, exhibitions, cafes & pubs in those first few terms. Totally agree with the comments that adult kids are great, you’ve got the best bit still to come!
Wonderfully told; that double-edged sword moment we don’t think about when pregnancies are coming to an end. Life is all cycles I’m finding. I’ve turned into my mother, and am helping to look after her brother as she is too ill to do so. These are people I assumed were invincible.
I, too, stood pitch side (though rugby) and froze my nose off one winter’s Sunday in which the clouds dropped their icy snowflakes on ten year old limbs.
Memories are wonderful things, thank God we have them
Beautiful. My lad is 39 in a couple of months … today is the first day of school for his daughter, our granddaughter - he’s daddy-daycare on a Monday, between nursing shifts at Addenbrookes, so for the next year or two it’ll be him and Fin, little bruiser of a grandson … I bet they countdown to 3.05 when Olivia is released back to them.
Oof. My girl is only five but I felt this to my core. I've really tried to slow down this year to make sure I enjoy every second of whilst she is thrilled at my company. Long may it last (I know it won't, or at least not in this innocent way). Lots of love to you and your wife and your daughter on her new adventures!
It's going to turn out fine, Mark. We've sent five kids out into the world and it's wonderful to see how they grow into this new stage of adulthood. I love having adult kids; it's the best stage imo.
I used to wonder if there was something wrong with me because I wasn't sad to see them leave home; I found it exciting. But I understand why a lot of parents find it so hard.
I really like that we are all so different about it, even if there are threads of similarity. Very looking forward to the next stage too
Beautifully said. But trust me in a few days when you have a hankering for that little bit of leftover soup you will be happily surprised it’s still in the fridge, as with so many other goodies that would normally go mia. Or maybe that’s only with teenaged boys??🍅
What an accurate prediction Allyson!
Beautifully done, old chap. We hold on to ours for four and a bit more days. Then: the future happiness that they are yet to share with us all. ❤️
Thank you Matt - I hope your weekend goes well x
Don't even have kids, and this still had me snivelling. Good job!
Thank you Claire, and sorr!
I felt this hard today. My youngest started primary school today and, although it’s not the same as leaving home, it has that feeling that they’re a little less ours now. Which is absolutely as it needs to be, of course, but I’ll also allow myself a few of those invisible (and maybe also some visible) tears. I hope the new adventures go well and the soup works its magic.
Exactly that Dane - brilliantly a little less ours but still, it's not easy. I hope you are doing ok with the change
Heartfelt and beautiful Mark. She'll be back soon with her love and laughter. xxx
You are so right Pam, thank you x
oh this is sweet sorrow, so beautifully written
Sweet sorrow is exactly it, and thank you
Beautiful, as ever, Mark.
Now, I would like to grow some of those magnificient tomatoes next year. What are they called please?
Thank you Antonia, v lovely of you. The tomatoes are Costoluto fiorentino
Thank you! x
What a beautiful, beautiful piece. Completely captured the pain and joy of a child leaving home- made me smile and cry at the same time. And then you give us a delicious and deliciously easy tomato soup recipe. I don’t think I’ve said just how much your wonderful writing lifts my heart (and my cooking)
Thank you so much Lizzie - that is wonderful to read
Beautiful account of a hard moment that absolutely sneaks up on you. I was a mess for at least a fortnight after our son left for uni. Upside was I got to visit him in London and we had some very special days together visiting various sites, exhibitions, cafes & pubs in those first few terms. Totally agree with the comments that adult kids are great, you’ve got the best bit still to come!
So brilliantly put Olivia - I'm really looking forward to those times in her new place
Beautifully painfully observed emotions and a recipe for distraction that nurtures and warms as it nourishes. Pleased to have found you on Substack
Thank you TTL, delighted to have connected with you
Wonderfully told; that double-edged sword moment we don’t think about when pregnancies are coming to an end. Life is all cycles I’m finding. I’ve turned into my mother, and am helping to look after her brother as she is too ill to do so. These are people I assumed were invincible.
I, too, stood pitch side (though rugby) and froze my nose off one winter’s Sunday in which the clouds dropped their icy snowflakes on ten year old limbs.
Memories are wonderful things, thank God we have them
Thank God we have them indeed...thank you for your lovely words
Now I get your comment on my post Mark! That made me a little teary. All will be well. She be back in a heartbeat.
She will and all is indeed well, thank you
You've done your stuff. It happens. And as you already kind of know in your heart, it's a triumph when it does.
Perfectly put Elisabeth! As ever
Beautiful. My lad is 39 in a couple of months … today is the first day of school for his daughter, our granddaughter - he’s daddy-daycare on a Monday, between nursing shifts at Addenbrookes, so for the next year or two it’ll be him and Fin, little bruiser of a grandson … I bet they countdown to 3.05 when Olivia is released back to them.
Ha ha! I bet you love being a grandparent
The best! As you might imagine, we’re the slightly madcap ones!
Oof. My girl is only five but I felt this to my core. I've really tried to slow down this year to make sure I enjoy every second of whilst she is thrilled at my company. Long may it last (I know it won't, or at least not in this innocent way). Lots of love to you and your wife and your daughter on her new adventures!
So great if you can slow down, even here and there, I wish you luck with it. Lots of love back to you too Jen x