1st

My house is celebrating and grieving our youngest sent off to college.  Last hug on Saturday evening for now.  My bride is in a good mess of tears, very spontaneous and salted with moments of strength.  My older girls are home, the middle one to be hopefully soon married and an older daughter finding her way.

We got on the yak Monday last week for the 2nd time of his life and I try to regret not having incorporated my passion with his rearing.  I am content yet wonder, "what if"...

I know many of y'all have sent off kids.  We homeschooled all three with its struggles, victories and fails yet I know my bride dun good.  He's a fine young man.  His name is Jason.  He attends The Masters University in Santa Clarita and loves all things music and theology.  I'm stoked for his future.  On a barbers salary we don't belong here but God provides. 

It has only been two days and my wife knows our home is forever changed.  Every step around the house causes an upwelling of good sadness.  His room is still a mess, leftover hot Cheetos and Fritos Chili cheese chips.  Who am I gonna brag to about all my skunks to though he was on his headphones in the latter years. 

To all you who have gone before me, lost children, married, divorced, who have good loss, I tip my hat to you and celebrate super tough seasons of rearing kids and getting older.  Love on em'!  One cannot prepare for times such as these.  I can only fish and cry when it's time...ooooo, what's that...zzzzzzzzzzz...

Thanks for sharing your family event and congrats Jason on his accomplishment.

Thanks for sharing your family event and congrats Jason on his accomplishment.

Thanks Sonny!  You are a Monterey inspiration...I saw all the spots from the aquarium on Thursday and good thing it was kinds sloppy reminding me this was not a yakkfishing event...

Good luck to your fam and well done being a great dad. If he remembers all the basic 20 knots of fishing then you’ve done your job. Just kidding.. I only remember 4 ..

Good news even tho a little sad
You and your Bride have done a great job

Congratulations, Eddie, and I know it must also be sad. I hope the times he comes back to visit are all the sweeter and you get to go on adventures together.

Congratulations Eddy! Beautiful family and outstanding accomplishments!!!

Great looking family, Eddie.  I know you spent quality time with your kids; they will remember that forever.  You need to go catch more halibuts now.

Paul

Good stuff!  Thanks Eddie.  You have a beautiful family.  Wishing you plenty of tight lines and spinal wires!   

I feel ya, bro.  Good job!   

Congrats and yes very lovely family Eddie 

congratulations and sympathies both for a remarkable waypoint in life Eddie.

You are blessed man it’s a pleasure knowing you

Thanks for this community!  Fish on!

Bittersweet, for sure, seeing your kids move out to begin their own journey. But, a moment to be proud of - both you and spouse for raising a motivated and capable adult, and proud of your kid for taking that first real step towards independence.

You are a little ahead of me - my oldest is a sophomore in high school this year. Wild that he is 15 and almost driving! It's almost unfair how fast time really does go by. Definitely gonna be mixed emotions when he moves along in a couple years.