My firstborn, Julian, has left the nest.  He is attending the Santa Fe University of Art and Design and studying musical theatre.  If you know him you are not surprised because he is truly talented.  Yes, I am his mom and am pretty biased, but there is no doubt that the boy has talent.

My husband and I are both classically trained musicians and when I was pregnant with Julian I wondered, “What will I do if he is not musical?”  He started matching pitch when he was two, and one of his big breakout hits as a toddler was Calamity Jane’s “Black Hills of Dakota.” He would also sing in the backseat of the car and ask, “How many points, Daddy?”  We would tell him he had another chance to get more “artistic points” and he never failed.

When Julian was accepted, I honestly thought, “He is only an hour away, this will not be a big deal.”  I cannot tell you how many times I have cried this week.  I never dreamed I would be so emotional, but when your baby chick finally finds their wings it’s exciting, frightening and devastating all at the same time.  It took a little while for him to leave, but I know it is the right time for him.  School has not been easy for my son, but I really believe he is ready to give it his all as he is surrounded by hundreds of creatives doing what they love.

Time is fleeting.  When I held Julian for the first time in my arms I thought I would have a lot of time with him.  It has gone by so fast.  Life is short in some ways, but long in others.  This is only a transition to the next phase of what is yet to come for my son.  I can’t wait to see what happens as my amazing son finds his way.  I pray that I have many years left to be his mom, to love him, encourage him and support him during the good times and the bad.

God has blessed me greatly and for that I give thanks tonight.

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. Phone calls
2. Weekend road trips
3. Homemade cookies
4. The smell of rain
5. Freshly painted rooms