PITA 19 left for college on Thursday. Due to a change of plans, I did not go as part of the move-in process, and he was out all night before with his girlfriend. So I didn't even truly get to say good bye...

But in the days right before he left, PITA asked many times to sit with me, and asked my advice on things, even just silly stuff like, "When should I do my laundry?"

He asked me how to spell my maiden name, and I asked him why. He said one of the school forms asked for "mother's maiden name." "You're my mom. Not her," he said.

Late in the day on Thursday, he sent the sweetest text i have ever received, from anyone. It said "Thank you for always believing me and pushing me to do better. I wasn't an easy kid, but you always loved me, and I am a better person. I know, because of you, I will not fail."

Ahh, even just thinking about makes me tear up all over again...

When I think of all the pain and suffering I went through because of that kid, I can't believe I made it here today. Six years ago, because of him, I was ready to leave my husband. But I kept pushing, and making it work. And then I got therapy. And then I disengaged. And the kids grew up some- emotionally and socially, and life wasn't so family centered. And slowly, Loghead and I got closer together, despite what the skids did. And now, it's not even difficult...

This morning, Loghead rolled out of bed and announced we were going to the local fair. Lazy Boye stayed home, but Princess drove up from her college to meet us. Lazy Boye turned 18 today. Half way through the day, Loghead pulled me close for a kiss, and whispered in my ear, "Do you realize in 174 school days, Lazy Boye will be a graduate and getting ready for boot camp?"

I've been counting down to that moment for years. i've lived my life backwards, becoming a wife and mom and the same day. I look forward to the day when it's just us and Gibby 12 in the house. It's nice to see the Loghead is now counting down those days too.

I'm gonna log off now, and join my men- Loghead, Lazy Boye and Gibby- for some TV and apple pie. But for those of you are still in the trenches, dreading a Saturday night with the skids around, I was once where you were, and I'm hear to say "You can get through it."