As moms, we get to experience the “school shopping experience” of our childhoods when we plan and consider what the coming school year will bring. While I feel like I’m at the height of summer, glasses of wine outside by the fire, working in the garden, picnics at the lake - there are too many reminder of September being just around the corner.

My reminders are different this year.

Buying plane tickets. Being shocked, yet again, by post secondary tuition. Helping young men buy clothes for school.

I’m a travel agent. A financial advisor. A fashion consultant. A provider of crash course grocery shopping and cooking that’s fast and nutritious. A personal assistant and a life coach.

In the last ten years or more, the disciplines of my daily life have changed more than I could have ever imagined. It’s not about finding time to regroup. It’s not about keeping up with the laundry. It’s not about juggling children so they each receive the best I have to offer. It’s not about deciding what adventures we are going to face this school year.

Preparing for this school year is all about letting go. I let go of what was. I prepare to let go of a busy, noisy, beautiful mess of a household.

I prepare my mind. For a lovely, quiet year, with just one enthusiastic learner at home.

I prepare my heart. For letting go of my boys….all going off to pursue their adults hopes and dreams.

I prepare my soul. To pray for their safety. Their faith. Their friendships. Their future.

I prepare my body. For the ache I’ll feel as they take another small piece of me away with them.

I prepare my ears. For the quiet mornings.

I prepare my cooking skills to ramp down. The major eaters in the family are leaving in an exodus.

“Mom, don’t rent out my room to anyone or anything while I’m gone.” “Mom, can you order me vitamins?” “Mom, do you think I need more shirts?” “Mom, how many suitcases should I take to college?” “Mom, can we book plane tickets?”

These are the questions that have replaced, “Mom, can you tie my shoe?” “Mom, I have to go to the bathroom!” “Mom, can we get a dog?” “Mom, can I have a snack?”

Actually, they still ask for snacks.

I love them all so much. Preparing has changed. Is it easier? In some ways. And in some ways, no…not at all. It’s hard to be a mom.

I wouldn’t trade it for the world.