Summer and saying goodbye seem to go hand in hand. It’s getting to be that time of year where I check out. Although this year I’ve got a packed August of senior photoshoots I’m clearing all the other items of running a business off my plate. Meaning, I won’t be showing up and will be keeping a very low profile this month. I repost this blog every August because it hits me to my core every single time I return to it. Hopefully it will do the same for you and remind you to hold your kids tight, regardless of the age.

Summer Vacation

We spent our vacation with eight high school seniors soon to be Freshmen in college, sounds crazy, I know, but it was the perfect way to end our summer. We soaked up every minute of it.  Spending time with all these really great kids on the cusp of starting something new was special.

College drop off

A couple weeks later we brought our son (first born) to college. I’ve been more or less preparing for this for the past year or rather 18 years, I don’t think though, that will ever cushion a parent from the heartbreak of saying goodbye to their child.

Everyone will ask, how was it and honestly all I can think to say is heartbreaking. He is 10 hours away and won’t be home until Thanksgiving. His presence is missed daily even with another sibling still at home.

They all have that special something they add to the home and it will be missing. I’m sad but it’s a double edged sword.

Our job as a mom

He is really happy where he is. This is what we’ve been getting him ready to do for the past 18 years. To go out on his own, find happiness, make good decisions, stay safe…

When I watched him walk back to his dorm as I sat in the car with tears streaming down my face all I could think was that he has become a young man who has exceeded my wildest expectations (in a good way!). It’s hard to be sad about that.

So to all those parents who are sending or have sent their kids off to college my heart is with you. It gets easier with time (kinda).

We all Agreed to this part of raising kids

My friends and I were talking the other day, most of them with kids (adults!) older than mine and we all agreed. You will never stop being their mom. The good, the bad, worry, heartache- it’s life and despite how much it hurts saying goodbye sometimes, I know they always know I’m here and my world is so much better with them in it. Hold your kids (because they’ll always be your kids) tight and tell them you love them. Now go check off that summer bucket list of things you want to do with them before they leave!

What does this have to do with Senior Pictures? Absolutely nothing and everything. You can find out the everything part here. Or here or how about this…go through every single blog post and you’ll connect with how much emotions, personality and my intent to create photos that feel like a hug and sound like laughter for you is my sole purpose. Wishing you nothing but sunshine. Happy August!

P.S. My son has graduated and living back in New Jersey. It was 5 years of watching him grow exponentially, hitting speed bumps, picking himself up, making friends…and now watching him mature beyond that is amazing. I’ve been through it all with my daughter as well. She’ll be graduating this December. They leave me teary eyed for all the right reasons. xoxo, Paige