The Plan

"Okay, so I've come up with a plan," I abruptly announce, walking into the kitchen.

My husband and older son are seated at the table, hunched over and devouring their . . . well, since it's Sunday, this is technically their first pizza of the week, but given past history, it is certain it won't be their last. They raise their eyes and give me a questioning look, no doubt wondering what on earth I am talking about.

"So," I continue, "I don't know why, but I was thinking UCLA was south of Disneyland, but it's not. It's actually about an hour north. I'm thinking, after we leave Disneyland, we can stop and check out UCLA, then drive up to Santa Barbara and check out UCSB. We'll spend the night in Solvang, and the next day, we can stop at Cal Poly and check it out. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good," my son answers to my surprise. 

Wait a minute. Is this the same kid who absolutely refused to look at colleges just a few months ago? The same kid I couldn't get to look at the emails and pamphlets he received from universities across the United States?

Of course, it is the same kid and it isn't. He continues to grow and change every day. What he wasn't ready for a few short months ago, he is today. I walk away excited that now, at least, he's interested in considering the possibilities. The light dims, just a little, however, when I realize what all this means.

He's one step closer to adulthood and one step farther away from me.