Flying the Nest (musings about graduation and a momma bird)

Tonight is graduation for our local, public high school. Later this week all of the feeder schools will have their move up days, teachers will pack up their classrooms, and this school year will be over. Across the country, the kids in our neighborhoods are moving on. And in a year that has been so difficult, this rite of passage has become even more meaningful even for those of us who do not have a child graduating this year.

Tara and I sent four girls through our local high school. FB memories of their graduations have been popping up on our phones along with prom photos, senior week photos, and other end-of-the-school year events. Our youngest children are both college seniors and are about to spend their last semesters on campus.

Since we launched the business in January, we have gotten to know a lot of our customers. Many of you have high school seniors who are about to “fly the nest” and others of you have sent care packages to your college freshmen. We love the notes you enclose in the gifts that are filled with love and encouragement. After all, that is why we started this business.

Tara has two gorgeous hanging baskets hanging from her front porch! A few weeks ago, a bird carefully built a nest inside one of them. The squirrels can’t reach the nest. The basket is lush and provides shade and sanctuary. This was one smart momma bird who built a beautiful and safe house for her family. Late last week, the eggs hatched. The momma bird brings her birdies everything they need so that they can grow big and strong. She watches over them from the branch of a nearby tree. In just a few days, these birds have changed appearance and grown. Their eyes are wide open. Their feathers are fluffy and they are starting to chirp loudly. They are completely dependent on her, but soon they will fly the nest.

That momma bird is just like you! You are probably trying to furnish a dorm room and make sure everything is set for move in later this summer. You are running to get those great thin hangers at Costco and trying to get your child to think about uploading medical forms and wondering about transportation home at Thanksgiving. You built a lovely nest and nurtured your birdies. This is “that summer”— the last one at “home”. The one where your are filled with so many different emotions! The kids are ready to fly the nest and, yes, you are ready to let them take flight!

Very soon now you will drop your child off at college. After you have made the bed, organized the closet, and finished the last Target run, think about leaving a note under the pillow. Leave a sweet treat and/or arrange for us to send a package to arrive at the end of the first week’s classes.

Just Because Treats is here to send great roommate gifts, care packages, sorority gifts and more. Just reach out and we will take care of the rest! Look for our college subscription box coming this summer! We just need an on campus address, and we make it easy to send amazing and fun treat boxes.

Congratulations to the class of 2021! In a year like no other, your resilience and determination has made you outstanding graduates. Wishing you much continued success.

And to all of you, momma birds, you’ve got this!