I’ve been in a blogging slump, and I figure it’s better to admit that than to publish lackluster posts. There are books I want to write about, photo essays I want to put together, and I just can’t bring myself to do them. Sure, there’s a lot going on in my life right now, but I wonder if that’s the reason because there’s always a lot going on.

Rather, it’s the imminent big shift in our family life that has me preoccupied: Our daughter is graduating high school in a few weeks. In fact, last Friday was her last official day of school. However, rather than going off to college in the fall and spending the summer horseback riding as she has done in the past, she’s deferred college and is moving to Israel for at least 18 months to do volunteer service.

While I applaud her choice, I have to admit I’m eyeing her departure with trepidation. I must be suffering from empty nest syndrome before the nest is even empty. She and I get along very well. She’s been a great buddy (who will I go to the opera with now?), and I just know I will miss having her as part of my daily life. I also know that this is pretty much going to be it. The way she operates, she ain’t coming back.

So, that’s what’s on my mind and why I have been rather silent here. Apart from that, our youngest is graduating middle school and with him in high school next fall, our daily routine will change significantly. I’m wistful. I’m old enough to know what big changes mean, and I’m also accustomed enough and in love enough with our current family life that I hate to see it go. It’s been a good ride, and I just have to trust that while life will be different come July, when our daughter leaves, it will still be good.

Wise words from parents further along the road would be welcome!