Recently, I was talking to some school-aged children about whether or not they were looking forward to going back to school.

The younger ones were definitely more excited about it, but even the older ones admitted to being excited about the new school year, despite their initial cringe.One was about to get his driver's license, and another was embarking on her last year of high school - before she starts all over again with college.My youngest son is embarking on that college trek this year.This new chapter feels a little strange. This is the first August in the last - well let's just say way too many years to mention - that I don't have to do the traditional back-to-school preparations.I'm used to going through the kids' clothes. Pulling out what doesn't fit anymore, making a list, planning school shopping, and buying shoes, clothes, pencils, folders, paper and lunchboxes.This is different; no, really it is.For one, I can't spend as much I usually do, because I have two sons in college and two tuition/room and board bills to pay, plus the plethora of fees.But also, instead of pencil boxes and backpacks, I have to buy dorm crates and laundry bags, as well as cleaning supplies they may never use and books I hope they do.I've been so excited about this upcoming chapter in their life and mine - until a couple days ago.I was at a workshop and saw a couple I know. Their children are not much younger than me.They asked about what is new, and I filled them in. The wife asked me how I am going to feel about having an empty nest, which I get asked a lot.I replayed my standard answer, "I'm so excited about this upcoming chapter and excited for my sons."Her reply, "You'll miss them."Hmmm, I haven't been thinking about that.A pretty millennial sitting next to her popped up with, "Don't worry, they'll be back." And she didn't mean for semester break.I smiled and changed the subject.When I got home, my youngest told me he had started packing. I didn't expect that. Funny thing is that despite the overall feeling of excitement that both of us felt for this next stage of life,I saw something familiar in his eyes. It was a remnant of something I saw on his first day of kindergarten - a little bit of fear and a wish to keep things the way they were.The next morning, I saw his suitcase on the floor in his room.I think I'm going to miss my boys.