I loved reading it again, Bob --thank you. One remark, though, really resonated with me this time: "you can't cry if you don't love". All of a sudden I thought of Donald Trump. I realized that I've never seen tears or even sadness in his life. I don't think he is capable of loving.
Beautiful, Bob. Thank you for helping me relive the time we dropped off our youngest to college. I felt the exact same way. It's tough to face an empty nest, and yet exciting at the same time to know that "we did good." There's nothing better than to know that they can fly on their own, and yet still come back!
My eyes teared up upon reading about the day you received the essay from your daughter's freshmen year in college. She has inherited a gift of writing from you. Thank you for taking the time to write this moving piece. I have never had children, being a single ( happy) cat lady, but I remember in 1964 when my mother took me to the house I would live in for my final two years of college in San Francisco. Had my father taken me there would have been tears. We were very close too. I am so happy that you and your daughter shared so many experiences when she was growing up. I miss my dad more than I can express.
Thankfully the powers that be chose JDV to run for VP on the Republican ticket. His mouth along with tRump’s may be their demise. To have either of those brutes as my father would have been scary, to put it mildly.
Thanks for stirring up similar memories, sentiments and emotions. Nancy and I followed our grandson and his family to Gig Harbor WA. Hoping for another opportunity to send off the little man in a like fashion 14 or so years down the road.
We are elated to be able to continue enjoying your posts. 🐻🤗❤️ RICH&NANCY
I am sure I have read that column at least three times and love every word. I had a couple of those experiences as well. Thinking of you the other day and remembering the Bobby Riggs match. I was wondering if you could revisit that great memory?
I love this column. It gets me every time ❤️
Thanks, Jenn. Much appreciated.
I love this story. This the second time I've read it and that heartwarming feeling is felt again. Thanks for sharing it again.
Thanks so much, Judy.
Love stories never get old.
A lovely piece, thank you Bob. Your daughter’s first essay is very touching, bravo for being a great Dad!
I presume she got an "A" on that essay that so touched my heart.
I loved reading it again, Bob --thank you. One remark, though, really resonated with me this time: "you can't cry if you don't love". All of a sudden I thought of Donald Trump. I realized that I've never seen tears or even sadness in his life. I don't think he is capable of loving.
Does not seem like a happy man
Love this! Having gone through 4 times (5 if you count the “covid bonus return and departure for child #4), this really resonates.
A recurring joy, for sure, Carolee.
Beautiful, Bob. Thank you for helping me relive the time we dropped off our youngest to college. I felt the exact same way. It's tough to face an empty nest, and yet exciting at the same time to know that "we did good." There's nothing better than to know that they can fly on their own, and yet still come back!
Laura - Yes, the coming back is the best part. An unbreakable bond. We are so blessed to get to experience such strong and wonderful feelings.
Great piece, Bob…timeless!
Three kids, three different experiences (IYKYK)
We're all lucky to have those experiences, aren't we, BIll
Tears in my eyes.
Mine, too. But not so many that it kept me from seeing what a truly happy moment it was for us.
This article never gets old, Bob. Thank you for sharing it once again. So many parents, including me, can relate!
Thanks, Anne. I know many, many folks have gone through this same experience, or will one day soon.
Well Bob, it seems you have a lot of "free birds" in your family. Have you ever had an "empty nest?"
Yes. But sometimes love finds you and the nest fills up again.
My eyes teared up upon reading about the day you received the essay from your daughter's freshmen year in college. She has inherited a gift of writing from you. Thank you for taking the time to write this moving piece. I have never had children, being a single ( happy) cat lady, but I remember in 1964 when my mother took me to the house I would live in for my final two years of college in San Francisco. Had my father taken me there would have been tears. We were very close too. I am so happy that you and your daughter shared so many experiences when she was growing up. I miss my dad more than I can express.
Those are beautiful words, Jacqueline. I'm sure your dad was a special guy.
Don't tell J.D. you never had kids.
Thankfully the powers that be chose JDV to run for VP on the Republican ticket. His mouth along with tRump’s may be their demise. To have either of those brutes as my father would have been scary, to put it mildly.
Bob,
Perfect! And you can’t improve on perfect!!
(apologies for the exclamation points)
Thanks for stirring up similar memories, sentiments and emotions. Nancy and I followed our grandson and his family to Gig Harbor WA. Hoping for another opportunity to send off the little man in a like fashion 14 or so years down the road.
We are elated to be able to continue enjoying your posts. 🐻🤗❤️ RICH&NANCY
Gig Harbor, Nancy?
You must have died at gone to heaven.
Yes, 14 years would be what, the Class of '38?
And the Class of '42 in college.
I'm still of the generation that begins all dates with "I9" and not "20".
I am sure I have read that column at least three times and love every word. I had a couple of those experiences as well. Thinking of you the other day and remembering the Bobby Riggs match. I was wondering if you could revisit that great memory?
Thanks so much, Bill.
Yes, the Bobby Riggs match from 1977. In Davis, no less.
What a great suggestion. I will write about it soon.
I am forwarding this column to my son who is just about to experiment these moments. Thank you.
I'm sure he'll experience those same wonderful emotions, Andre.
I doubt ANYone who reads this lovely column will do so without a tear or two, me included. Thank you for always being lovingly entertaining.
Thanks so much, Diane. That day and that experience will remain in my heart forever.
What a marvelous column, Bob! Just as sweet now as when you wrote it, I imagine. Thanks for sharing it now!
Thanks, Jan.
Was a special time in my life that is sewn into my heart.