​My youngest child uses the pass-through counter from the kitchen to the living room as his own personal study area.  I’ve been battling him for years to take everything back to his room when he’s finished.  Seldom does he heed my threats.  It drives me crazy.  A couple of weeks ago, I was walking past the area and grumbling about the clutter.  I realized he’ll be moving away for college and I will be clutter-free.  No sooner did I think it then sadness overcame me.  He won’t be here to make messes.  As a result of this epiphany, I haven’t complained since.  In fact, I told him about my realization and said that he can keep his clutter there if he wants.  And that is when I began creating a list of lasts and a list of firsts.
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Lasts
There will no longer be a need for a morning shower schedule
There will be an empty space in the garage
I won’t have to call the school when he’s sick or late (won’t miss that one…)
I’ll no longer have an errand boy
It’s quite possible that we’ve had our last 4th of July street fireworks celebration as a family
 
Firsts
He’ll be living away from his family
He’ll have to shop and prepare food himself (that should be interesting)
He’ll have to do his own laundry (probably won’t – sorry roommates)
I’ll have no idea what his grades are at any given time
He’ll have to find his first job
 
I keep thinking of more lasts and firsts.  This experience has caught me by surprise.  Your kids are with you from birth until they move out.  That’s a big hole to fill.  I’m looking forward to watching him grow and mature.  I’m also wondering about all of the adjustments we’ll make on this end without seeing him every day.  An interesting point in life.