Good morning to sleep in until 5:15. The major stressors in my life are starting to diminish. Someday I will write about these events– when the time is right. I pray my experiences will help others get through similar struggles and find: hope, healing, courage and a better peace of mind.

My son is doing well settling into his freshman year at SUNY Environmental Science of Forestry connected with Syracuse University. Beautiful campus with students and professors from all over: New York State, the United States and the World. He will learn and grow from the best to be a better person and steward of our land. His current major is Environmental Engineering.

Today, my son returned back to college after visiting his first weekend home–Labor Day weekend. Now I am more accepting of him spending less time with me as he finds his journey into becoming: successful, happy, kind and well-balanced. I, myself, am also finding this inner peace and joy.

During his senior year, he helped remind me that he was trying to spend time with everyone. He has his Dad and their family. His girlfriend and their family. His friends. Football and Trap teams. My family and myself. It was and is a lot for an 18 year old to juggle. He is nailing it.

I am always communicating with my son. Did my best while he was growing up and during the times we were together. He picks on me when I send him long text messages. I laugh when he says and writes, “Mom, no one writes long text messages. Then I simply respond…Well, I am an English teacher, writer and your Mom. When I get excited and verbally share stories from my past, present and of my future to help him better understand me and himself; he smiles and laughs and tells me to get to the point. We then both laugh and the stories flow.

Often I tell him I am praying over him all of the time and so are others. He listens and when he is ready; he will seek God’s love.