I just called to say I love you....

Got a call from Nate today. He just wanted to say "Hi" and "I love you" (does it get any better than that?) Filled with warm fuzzies, I realized that I had never posted pictures from his last day at home/first day at college this year (sophomore year). We took some pictures just before he and Greg got in the car to leave and then....just like that - we were Nathan-less once again.

 

This picture perfectly depicts (in caricature) our three very different sons. I'll just let the picture speak for itself.

Greg sports this dazed look most of the time these days.

Poor Dad.

Unpacking and making himself at home.

 

Nate was very glad to get back to college to see his chums and have a social life again. I guess working 40 hours/week and taking an online class and trying to catch up with everyone on facebook in the wee hours didn't cut it for social stimulation. Not to mention most of the summer was spent living amongst the chaos of boxes and furniture (I'm happy to say the flood of 2008 is becoming a distant memory)

And I'm not the least bit bothered that home can't compete with the social life of even a tiny little college campus. I'm very much at peace that Nathan is thriving as he grows into the man God is shaping him into. I pray for him more -- not because I worry exactly, but because it's really the only thing I can do for him sometimes. Our children outgrow so many needs, but they never outgrow their need of our prayers.

I guess it's good to still be needed. ;^)