I’m a mother of adult sons, it’s official. When James turned 18 on 24^th September we turned a page and looked ahead to a new chapter.

Last Sunday we dropped Will off at Lancaster Uni, he said he was ready, enough of the fun. Being Will of course, he hadn’t looked at Lancaster, but funnily enough, when we got there, it felt right. Driving onto the campus we were met by a cacophony of shrieking students attired entirely in deep purple, and all from William’s halls, Furness. I took this to be a good sign. His room is clean and large as is the kitchen and bathroom, obviously he hasn’t trashed these yet, but who knows, perhaps now living independently as a bone fide first year, he might decide not to. Might. At least I won’t know, and I won’t have to clean up after him.

I’ll admit to feeling teary as we left, but on the whole I don’t get sentimental. I’m happy that it’s a new experience for Will and the next step for him. Eddie and I departed for The Sun, to explore Lancaster and pay homage to The Lancaster Smokehouse, of which we had heard and bought much from over the years, but never visited in person until now.

Smoked goods procured we walked around the harbour which was beautiful if run-down and I got chatting to a lady walking her dog. I told her we’d come up to drop our son off at the uni. “You’re half-way then.” She said. I suppose she’s right. We’re certainly at cross-roads. All of us.

James’ 18^th followed the traditional format of fry-up, school, cake (marble), fizz and dinner out. I thought splendid and hope he did too. The only fly in the ointment, his birthday leather jacket not passing muster (it’s currently on Vinted while he looks for a more suitable alternative). Ah well. His birthday was on a Wednesday so a sensible night all things considered. The Friday less so – out in Newbury for six pints and a kebab with Dad. Now that’s breaking the seal (it certainly broke Will). With that, James crossed the Rubicon and can officially call himself a Man.

And then there were two, and they were all grown-up.