One less – bell to answer. One less – egg to fry. One less man – to pick-up after. I should be happy … but all I do is cry …
Over the past week the words to this 70′s Marilyn McCoo song kept playing, over and over in my mind. There’s one less of us in this busy house. Why should this bother me?
Because I keep seeing this chubby little boy run through the house with a cowboy hat on, toting a rifle (that outweighs him) and a smile that will melt anyone’s heart. Flashbacks – they appear like a mirage at the strangest times. I remember driving home from the hospital and watching him in the car-seat – the wonder of knowing this little man, so handsome, so earnest and precious to us all. In case you’re wondering, I don’t have my tenses mixed up. I’m just able to relive the past like it’s present day life – I’m a mom.
Our son, Levi moved out today. He’s finishing up college at the university. This has been a long-time-coming and he’s ready to pursue his dreams at The Meadows School of Art. He’s been working for a couple of years in anticipation. The Lord has given him so much favor and clear direction. It’s all good. Tim and I are so pleased with him. Our hearts are full.
He was loading the truck with all of his earthly possessions – one trip did it. We held the morning long. Tim made his famous homemade biscuit breakfast for us all. I brewed some strong coffee to savor together. One last trip – I ran to Kroger to get Levi living supplies that guys just don’t keep on hand. He eats oatmeal for breakfast (his roommates will laugh), I snagged his favorite coffee, some toothpaste for when he runs out, canned soup – the good kind and essentials that he doesn’t know are essential – yet. Just about to check-out, I was taking stock of my loaded cart when I paused … a familiar sound. The words came out of my mouth in tune with the grocery store piped-in music. It wasn’t Marilyn McCoo – but a new, modern version of the old, familiar song One Less Bell to Answer . Time stood still. I just stood there in the middle of the isle until the song was over.
There has never been a young man that is more loved. Even in a big family or especially in a big family – everyone matters. No one wants his room – yet. On the way home from church, to break the silence, Joel suggested we use all the money we’ll be saving on groceries to take the family out for dinner – to his favorite burger spot, of course. We all smiled.
The next time someone asks me, ‘how many kids do you have left at home?’ – I’ll just say … ‘one less’.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
A yeah.. crying a puddle of tears over here looking at my two little dirt covered boys being reminded how fast it all goes by! A very good reminder! I really needed that today.
That made me cry.
May God bless all of you during this transition. <3
I have often asked the Lord about this big plan to bring them to us totally helpless and dependent on us only to grow up and leave!! I know you are so proud of Levi. He is such a wonderful young man. It will be exciting to see what God has ahead for him! I know he is well prepared!
Debi- so understand!! It’s been one less for 2 1/2 years now but this year two leave so now it will be 3 less:( I never gave thought to the day they would leave when I was birthing and raising them!! Very exciting time in their life, but two bedrooms left empty, less noise and laughter, less hugs and kisses and the list goes on…. But then God:)
We are there as well. Almost! I’m already feeling the pangs of moving our oldest out and into married life! I know he’s ready and this what we’ve prayed and prepared him for! Somehow, I forgot to prepare me :/. Though we have a peace, it is one less and will be quieter around here.
Thanks for sharing this! It blessed me!
Im all teary now. Holding my baby a little closer as I rock her to sleep. So proud of Levi and needed the reminder to cherish these little moments along the way.
Debi, I can’t imagine the extra space. Ben will turn 13 in the next few months. Time seems to be racing by. I pray that Levi enjoys his new guy pad,but remembers there is a real meal to be had Sat am! I think this work yourself out of a job sure looks CHALLENGING! Sending hugs your way! Blessings! Sheri
Debbie-
Made me think…made me cry…made me see how blessed I am. I LOVE being a “boy” mom and can only imagine what that day will be/feel like for me. Thank you for reminding me how important it is to pour Jesus into my children, so when they are grown, I will miss them but I won’t worry!
Leigh-Ann
Oh, Debbie! You hit the nail on the head! I remember that song! Now it’s going to be in my head for the next several months, as Walker leaves in the fall. You are a great writer! Those memories are so precious. Praying for a wonderful transition for Levi!
Goodness Debi, I felt your heart. I don’t cry easily, but this one got me. I forwarded your blog to our son, who is 14, closing in on 15…drivers ed is just around the corner, with the following comment…
“One day….I will say…”One Less”….or for our family…”None left”….this almost made me cry thinking of the day you move out. My heart will be so full of joy and pride to see the man you’ve become…but also so very sad as our home will never be the same. I’ll never hear that “vroom vroom” again as my precious son crawled around on the floor when he was younger with his beloved cars.”
Thanks Debi for reminding us all how precious the gifts are that God has entrusted to us!
Bless you my dear friend!
I am sure my mom would totally agree. Our house went from 11 kids running around to now there are only 4 left at home… I do know though that there is rarely a day that goes by that one of us doesn’t come back to visit and eat food!!
Thanks for sharing from a mom’s perspective.
I love your heart. Really really appreciate your heart. How blessed we are to be mothers. I totally agree that every child in a large family is loved as if there was only one. “Everyone matters.” I could just see you in the aisle at Kroger’s. Thank you for posting this. You are refreshing and always an encouragement.