Moving out

A couple nights ago, I was reading a book in bed, with all three dogs cuddled up around me. Ryan came in to say goodnight, both to me and to the dogs. He spent time with each one of them, scratching ears and rubbing tummies, all the while telling me about his day. He does this often, and I really love it.

Except now I have to say, he did this often, and I really loved it. 

As of yesterday, Ryan no longer lives in my house.

He's a twenty two year old college graduate with a good job. He's ready. I'm not, but he is.

Seth is in Texas with his parents, so for the next week or two, this nest is really empty. It's a weird time, and I am feeling all the emotions: happiness, sadness, love, loss and, above all, pride.