My fledglings are growing up and flying away.  The youngest, my son Paul, is starting his freshman year of college next week.  It’s hitting me that my children are adults.  I’ve been aware of this trend for some time now.  Most of the time I feel excitement for my kids.  I’m excited about what they have done and the things they will do.  I’m excited about all the possibilities that lie before them.  For the first time, I am now feeling sadness about the end of this chapter of our lives.  Sad in a way I imagine a butterfly to feel before leaving the chrysalis forever.  Excitement about all that lies ahead with a heaviness of heart found in letting go of the known.