Three years ago our middle son Blaine left for college. He and our youngest, Luke, were very, very close and I knew Blaine was leaving a big hole in Luke's life. Luke was only a year into a high school experience that would prove very hard and very lonely. My father's heart ached for him. So every morning, I would wake before Luke and make us both a cup of tea. We'd share those early morning moments in the kitchen, sipping tea, sometimes talking, sometimes just being quiet. Then, we would pray together, and I'd send Luke into his day. I might have missed a few mornings here and there, but this was our ritual every morning for three years. Tea, and prayers.

 

As May approached, I could feel a knot in my stomach. I knew the morning was coming when we would have our last cup of tea. High school would end, summer would pass too quickly, and Luke would head of to college himself...and these days would be over. Forever.

 

Yesterday Stasi and I got home from taking Luke to the university where he'll spend the next four years. Out of state. We walked into an empty house. An era has ended.

 

Twenty-four years of life with sons at home and in one moment we are suddenly in the next stage of life. Now yes, yes...we will always be parents. In fact, our relationships with Sam (now out of college) and Blaine (a senior) are in some ways better than ever. But the golden days of boyhood and family are over. The house is very, very quiet.

 

Man I hate goodbyes. I really do.

 

This morning I made just one cup of tea.