The hard and unexpected part is the realization not just that my son is not here but that the boy he was is gone forever. I would give anything to have them both back. But of course that cannot be. Life moves on. Kids grow up and move away, and if you don't know this already, believe me, it happens faster than you can imagine.
In his reflective work, Bill Bryson grapples with the bittersweet realization of loss, particularly the profound absence of his son and the inevitable changes that come with growing up. He expresses a deep longing to have both the child he knew and the person he has become back in his life. This sorrow highlights the fleeting nature of childhood and the heartache that comes with the passage of time.
Bryson acknowledges that while life continually progresses, it brings with it both growth and separation. The passage of time can feel overwhelming, as children grow and eventually leave home faster than one might anticipate. His words serve as a poignant reminder of the transient moments in life and the deep emotional impact of watching loved ones evolve and change.
