TXMOM, thanks for the post/thread. It is sometimes difficult to go through the process and then, when it is over, one wonders where it went. The most important part of your son's journey was that you are a great parent. I know that they must appreciate that.
When my daughter, BB, finished her career, I wondered what her life would be like. So often I had to say to her that softball was what she did and was not who she was. Now, she is coaching high school and teaching 5th grade. Every day she is so thankful for her playing days but also that they enabled her to have a great career teaching. I just talked to her and she is feeling depressed a little at all of the rain outs. She wants her players to get to play every day. While only a volunteer assistant, she is in one of the top programs in the state so we are so happy for her.
TXMOM, enjoy the rest of the journey now as a grandparent. I am betting that your sons turn out to be pretty special dads.