Devin has entered his senior year of high school. Now that I’ve picked myself up off the floor after typing that, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the things I’m going to miss.
I’m so proud of the young man Devin has become. He’s matured so much over the past few years. Still, I often come across pictures or videos and think, It couldn’t have been that long ago. But it was. They grow up in the blink of an eye.
There are so many things I’ll miss—far too many to list—but here are a few I know I’ll never forget:
- Picking him up from after-school practices: track, soccer, band. Yes, he’s been driving for a while, but I’ve realized how few chances are left to simply be the one waiting.
- Wondering whether he’ll stick his face in his phone or talk endlessly about his day. Honestly? I’ll take either right now.
- Driving him to soccer practices and games, and then breaking everything down together on the ride home.
- Crew games—win or lose. Sitting on the sidelines for every match has been one of my greatest joys. I wrote more about that here. From out-of-town trips that required planning, budgeting, food prep, and PTO, to seeing new places thanks to his team—none of it will feel quite the same.
- Watching him on the sidelines with the Deer Creek soccer team. I’ll miss the blue and white Antler jerseys. I’ll miss hearing his name called over the loudspeaker when he steps onto the field. Those are such proud moments. And watching the whole team and coaching staff run down the field after a goal? That might never be topped.
- Seeing him try the 100 and 300 hurdles—just because that’s what I ran in school. It happened years ago, but it’s still one of my favorite memories.
- Having him take his younger brothers out when they needed a break from the house—just because he knew I needed a break too.
- Running to the store for the things I forgot. (I do that more than I care to admit.)
- Helping with the lawn—and doing a damn good job at it.
- Laughing together over how messy his room is or how much he loves to lounge around.
- Listening to him come home after hanging out with friends, full of stories and details and inside jokes.
- Trying to coordinate our family schedule around his work, soccer, and school. It’s chaotic and tedious—and I already miss it.
- Hearing him come home from work, excited to tell us stories from his day. He always cracked me up.
There’s so much I’ll miss. So much I already do.
And while I know this is just the beginning of a new chapter for him—and for all of us—I’m holding onto these moments with a full and grateful heart.