Why do they have to grow up?

I get that when Austin looks in the mirror, this is NOT what he sees!!!!  But, when I handed him the keys for the first time yesterday to go out on his own, this is exactly what I saw!!!  I knew this day would come eventually, I've even been preparing for it and I've always considered myself the "cool" mom.  I don't know how many times I've said to Cliff, "Honey, try to remember when we were that age."  But just like all the lamaze classes I took when I was pregnant with this sweet little angel, all that went out the freaking window. Of course, he did fine and of course he had fun, but that's not the point.  The point is that I was a nervous wreck and I just wanted him to crawl up into my lap and never, ever leave the house without me.  Now, those who actually KNOW my son have the visual of this 6'3" creature all crawled up and are laughing hysterically.

I know I need to let go (someday) and I will (a little), but for right now, I look at Austin and I don't see this towering 6'3" young man in front of me rolling his eyes because I'm clutching the keys....I see this chubby cheeked baby that only wanted to stay right where his mommy was!!!!!