New Leaves

Over the last weekend, my husband, oldest son, and I dropped off my youngest son at college. This rite of passage represents the end of an era for our family. After 29 years, we no longer have a student living in our home. We do have a young adult living with us, but not an actual student. Our youngest son is attending college about five hours away from our home.

Ten years ago, we dropped off our oldest son at college. I remember feeling the same mixture of pride, joy, and sadness. It’s amazing to have your child head out to college after years of hard work and effort. Attending college isn’t just a student affair, it’s a family one. My husband and I are strong supporters of our children and when they are ready to head to college, we help them as much as possible.

The school our son will be attending is terrific. It has a community mindset and wants students to be involved. It’s wonderful news for a mom and dad and has reassured us. As we helped him set up his dorm room, toured the campus, and attended a pep rally, we could see the excitement in his eyes. We are very happy for him.

Yet, as we drove away from our son’s dorm room a wave of sadness set in. Having gone through this process with two other boys, I know what to expect. Students begin a life that is separate from their family. They experience things parents know nothing about and learn to navigate life without them. When I was in the mist of my sadness my husband asked what I was most worried about. I shared that I wasn’t worried per say, but the hardest part for me was that I wouldn’t see him every day.

I will miss seeing my boy and spending time with him. I liked seeing his grumpy face in the morning. I liked him sharing about his work or trying to convince me to play video games. I liked when he told me my dinner tasted good. I know he’ll be back for the holidays and summer break. I know that it’s good for him to experience new things. I know I should focus on my life now and discover what’s next. I know all these things, but I will miss him.

I am a fan of the musical duo, The Bacon Brothers.  The band stars Kevin and Michael Bacon.   One of my favorite songs of the band is written by Michael.  The song is Don’t Lose Me Boy.  It’s a tribute from him to his (then) teenage son just before he headed out into the world.  I did a different blog post years ago when my oldest son was learning to drive and noted this song. Knowing your child is growing up is a emotional process. It was with my first child and is with my last. I thought today I would reprint the lyrics to the song in loving tribute to my youngest son.

Here’s to my youngest son. Just remember, don’t lose me boy.

Note: I have not created this video. It is owned by YouTube user Alle Riemen Los.

DON’T LOSE ME BOY

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL BACON

Well you say you’ll climb the highest mountain
In the whole damn world
I think you will yes I’m sure you will
But you may need some guy you know
Down at base camp far below
I could help a lot yes and maybe not

Don’t lose me boy
Now that you’ve found your way
Leave me some light of day
So these old eyes can see their way
Off you go and out the door
Don’t you look back any more
Between the pain and the joy
Don’t lose me boy
Don’t you lose me boy

So you say you’ll be the next Hendrix
Clapton or Buddy Guy
I think you will yes I’m sure you will
But who you got on that second guitar
Background vocals electric sitar and changing strings
I can do lots of things

Don’t lose me boy
Now that you’ve found your way
Leave me some light of day
So these old eyes can see their way
Off you go and out the door
Don’t you look back any more
Between the pain and the joy
Don’t lose me boy
Don’t you lose me boy

You’ll probably roll your eyes
And tell me to lighten up
I think I will some day I’m sure I will
But this song is for your mom and me
Just before we set you free
So listen if you can
Boy take it like a man.

Don’t lose me boy
Now that you’ve found your way
Leave me some light of day
So these old eyes can see their way
Off you go and out the door
Don’t you look back any more
Between the pain and the joy
Don’t lose me boy
Don’t you lose me boy