I remember last year as his friends prepared to go to overnight camp that he wasn’t interested. We had asked if he wanted to try going to sleepover camp, but his answer was no.

That was fine with us; he’s still young, though we knew at some point we did want him to experience sleepover camp.

I did it for a few years (though started in my early teens) and had the best time. It was an experience like no other and wanted him to experience that as well. People told me just to send him even though he said no. But just like everything else kids do, we knew when he was ready he would tell us.

I don’t exactly remember when it was, but the day came. He told us he wanted to go with his one of his best friends to overnight camp. This friend has been going for a couple of years now and loved it. So we knew it was a logical choice to send them together.

We asked him if he was sure, and he convinced us he was. So, we signed him up.

That day feels like forever ago. And camp felt so far away at the time. But here we are. End of June. End of school. And two days away from the bus departure.

This will be the first time I will be away from him in almost 9 years! Yes, he’s slept out at friends or my parents house. But he’s always come back the next day. I think the longest I’ve gone without seeing him is less than 24 hours!

So now, he leaves for 2 weeks. TWO WEEKS! Some will say that’s not so long. But for me, it will feel like forever.

My first baby, not even nine years old yet is off and away from home for 14 days.

I know he’ll be fine. He is going to have the most amazing time with his friends and experience things he never has before. I am so excited for him.

But I’m also nervous, anxious and sad. Can’t help it.

I’m sure this will get easier year after year should he decide to continue to go. And I know I’ll be fine too though I will miss him every second of every day.

I’m sure my little one will keep me plenty busy! Though I know he’ll wake up some mornings and ask when his brother is coming home.

Well for now, I look to the positives and know this will be a once in a lifetime experience for him and I honestly can’t wait to hear all about it.

So, goodbye to my sweet boy. I hope you have the best time ever. But remember, you better write me EVERYDAY!!

Overnight camp, here he comes…

xo

D