That's awesome Wendy! A big congrats to Mike, I know he worked hard to accomplish his goals. He is quite handsome I might add & his brother Mark is too. They are both headed for great futures and you have every right to brag & feel proud!
I do know how you & others feel when our 'fledglings' leave the nest. My son went into the Army 5 days after graduating high school in 1997. He is my only child & not being able to hear anything from him during basic felt more like he'd died. My hubby & I cried every day we sat at the table to eat. No phone calls all hours of the night from his friends, no loud music playing, no clutter & mess to fuss at him to clean up. I truly felt I had lost my job as a Mother. He didn't need me anymore in my mind.
He did come back home, then moved out permanently when he was 22. Now he's married & lives over 4, 000 miles away. I haven't seen him in 4 1/2 yrs., just due to the distance & all our jobs. I'd love to tell you it gets easier, but I'd be lying to ya'.