Done. Finished. Cooked.

A mother only gets to say that once per kid. I get to say it four times, but this is my first.

My oldest graduates from college with a BS in Biomedical Engineering this weekend. He will immediately start his PhD program.

A paid gig. No longer on mommy and daddy’s dole.

That makes him done. Cooked. Finished.

Is it cosmically significant that he graduates on Mother’s Day, or is it just coincidence?

Child-rearing is a twenty-something year long psychology experiment. I’m not really sure whether mom or kid is the test subject. What I do know is that most days there’s enough negative reinforcement to convince any sane woman not to try that experiment again. Which tells you something about my sanity.

Nonetheless, for a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of operation, I have to say, he turned out rather well.

One down, three to go.

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22 Comments

Wonderful! I can’t say what the experiment did for you, but since you said “My son has a BS in Biomedical Engineering” instead of, “My son is up for parole on Mother’s Day,” I would say you have won this round. Have an extra mimosa on Sunday – you deserve it!
.-= Liz´s last blog .."MY KIDS ATE MOLDY BREAD" =-.

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Good for both of you.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..For Anonymous: Prospective Son-in-Law =-.

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Mazel Tov!
.-= Dr. Grumpy´s last blog ..Medical Research =-.

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I liked your last comments better. This one won’t let me subscribe to follow-up comments.
.-= Dr. Grumpy´s last blog ..Medical Research =-.

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themother Replies:

I think I fixed it. You can now subscribe to followups. BTW–according to my commenters, your profession just inherited the entire repertoire of psychiatry.

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Congratulations!! Such a huge milestone! And you can pat yourself on the back for making it this far!
.-= Helene´s last blog ..My kind of luck is the reason why…. =-.

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Job well done! Congrats to all survivors!

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Congrats to you and your son!
.-= Melancholy Mommy´s last blog ..This may explain the sudden urge to blog again =-.

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Congratulations!!! To you and to him!
All I hope for is that moment, of knowing my child is capable of doing without me.
.-= Kate´s last blog ..just a couple of little moments… =-.

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Wow! Congratulations!!
.-= Lydia @ On The Verge´s last blog ..Post It Note Tuesday =-.

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You know I love your writing. But this line, “Child-rearing is a twenty-something year long psychology experiment,” is just plain brilliance.

Congrats on being on your oldest son being done! finished! cooked! on Mother’s Day. Gifts don’t get better than that.

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Best Mother’s Day gift EVER!!! I think that one even beats out giving birth on M’s Day since you have NO PAIN and it is proof of your job well done!

Bask in your AWESOMENESS! You are officially successful and can now don your badge of Good Parent.

(I was once told I could never claim to be a good parent until my children were grown and out of college because until they make it, one never actually knows if they did their job well.)
.-= Domestically Challenged´s last blog ..Define: Middle Aged =-.

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I’m on the first leg of this particular psychological experiment, but applaud you for arriving safely (and sanely!) at the other end.

Cheers to you and your son!
.-= Kristen @ Motherese´s last blog ..Mama Needs a Brand New Bag: Accessories =-.

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Here’s a big old CONGRATULATIONS to you, and to your son. Want a Mother’s Day present!
Golly gee, this Ozarks farm chick’s youngens kept comin’ back to the nest. Mama had to finally put her size 5 foot down real hard! Tough love ya know….just sayin’! :o )

From the sunny hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa, ya’ll have a wonderfully blessed day!!!

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Now THAT is a spectacular Mother’s Day gift.

You did good, mama! Congrats to you!! Now go grab that bathtub and bottle of wine…

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Oh, well done you! And OH it’s such an experiment! I am lucky, surrounded by amazingly sensible people who assume that I know what I am doing and lend me good books. But it’s still experimental!

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Congrats to the both of you!

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That is a great mother’s day. Did it seem fast? Or does it really feel like 20 years?

Congrats!

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themother Replies:

Sometimes it seemed fast; sometimes it crawled by. Sorta like anything in life.

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Congratulations on the milestone. Next time we’re sharing a glass of wine I’m going to let you in on the secret I’ve discovered.

Pssst: They are never really done. I asked my 84 year old dad and he confirmed it.

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