The laughing, arguing, shouting which used to take place in my kitchen at the start of each day, I now hear only as a ghostly echo to all the mornings past.

As I adjust to the newly empty nest, I find myself missing the exasperation of an impossible lunch box request, or the demand to know instantly were a particular item of clothing would happen to be at that exact moment, 30 seconds before the school bus leaves.

Each time the red light flashes on my Blackberry, I dive to answer in anticipation of a request from one or the other of my offspring needing something. Me. It never is.

‘I’ve bought a Kenwood Chef’ I excitedly text to all three – I’m going to make your favourite Victoria sponges and scones and chocolate muffins. No response. Why would there be? How can a Victoria sponge compete with the distractions of fresher’s week? How desperate can my attempt to lure them back possibly sound?

Adjust I must. Job done. A silent, empty, clean and tidy house my reward and the knowledge that soon enough, one by one, they will thunder back home for visits because they want to.

This link is wonderful and articulated in a way American Mom’s do so well.

http://tinyurl.com/387jrq4