A Letter to My Son as He Prepares to Move Out

Dear Chase,

Well, here we go again. Just a couple of years ago, your mother and I sorted through countless emotions and memories as we watched you graduate from high school. There were days when I would hear a song on the radio, think about you, and then cry in my car. I'm a softie, but you already know that. Now two years later, your mom is bursting into tears on a daily basis. We both can't believe that you're about to move out of our home for the first time.

In 2004, you made us a family. Our first child. My boy. We did everything fathers and sons are supposed to do. Play games, go fishing, video game marathons way too late at night. But you're about to trade in those Xbox controllers for an apartment key. It doesn't seem real, because I can remember taking that next step myself!

After high school, I attended Kirkwood Community College and lived at home with my parents. You did the same two years ago. While you enjoyed more freedoms than you did when you were in high school, you still had to abide by our rules. You were still living under our roof. But tomorrow, that will change. You'll be under your own roof, making your own decisions. No more Mom and Dad harping on you to be home on time or to clean your room. You're in charge.

And while your mom and I worry about whether you know how to do laundry, or will keep your new place clean, the tears you will probably see are because we are going to miss you. I'll miss you coming home from work or school, the dogs going crazy because they love you too. I'll miss you complaining about how we don't have any food, mainly because you ate it all in the middle of the night. I'll miss your yells and screams while playing video games, while I try to get to sleep at night. I'll miss having someone to help me mow the yard and carry heavy items up and down stairs. And I'll miss bumping into you in the middle of the night. Me going to work, you going to bed. The complete opposite ends of responsibility, meeting like ships passing in the night.

READ MORE: A Letter to My Son at High School Graduation

But what I will miss most is being able to see you whenever I want. To walk into your room and say 'How was your day?' Your mom is afraid we won't hear from you, and while I certainly hope we talk or text frequently, I get it. You're about to be on your own for the first time. While having a car is your first taste of freedom, moving away from home is the main course.

Remember what we have taught you. Call us for advice. Study and work hard. And keep being the good person that we know you are. We are so incredibly proud of what you have accomplished and can't wait to hear about your adventures in Ames. Remember, you will always be welcome at home. YOUR home.

And if all else fails...just wash everything on cold.