Getting routine, casual even. Didn't take any portraits. Didn't do a big dinner. I'm not temporarily wallowing in depression.
It's probably the fact that he'll be back in just two weeks for a longer better break (no homework, no imminent exams...).
He just pulled out of the driveway to drive himself to SLO for the first time. But even this was low-key as he only had a backpack and bag of now-clean laundry.
But much like I need to live near a beach - even though I seldom go - catching random glimpses (and whiffs 
) of him in passing is enough. Being nearby is enough. It is Good, and my heart is full.
It doesn't feel less full now that he's gone. That's new.
I'm sure it's "back longer and better in two weeks". Two weeks is probably the limit in what my brain understands; anything longer is completely abstract.
Hopefully all you families saying goodbye are also feeling the emotional bounce of a quick physical bounce.
For those of you who didn't get to see you Mustangs over the break, I hope that you're feeling the bounce of their imminent arrival.
It may never get easy - it will almost certainly never be preferred - but it does get easier.
Love to you all!