Feeling Nostalgic about Today
It’s the common parental lament: Kids grow up too fast. Yesterday a friend called my cell while I was walking to the bus stop to meet Little One. My friend asked, “Aren’t your kids too old for you to be going to the bus stop?” I told her that next year Little One will be in Middle School and it would be uncool for her Mom to meet the bus. My friend nailed it in one guess, “Oh, so this is for you, not her.” Exactly. I only have a couple handfuls of days left where Little One will find it acceptable for her Mom to be waiting waiting for her to step down off that big yellow bus. And she might not need it, but I do.
Last night we went to Winfield High School to see the concert and jazz bands preform. They rocked the house, and afterwards my Teen told us how much she’s going to miss this. She’s focused on the end of the school year when many of her senior friends will be set loose on the world, and who knows what will become of them? She knows they’ll be fine, but she’s still with them and already feeling nostalgic about the time when they were all together. Things are about to change.
I know the feeling, kid.
I watch my kids grow up and I know they’re going to be just fine. They’re smart, capable, curious, creative and happy. They’re confident about their abilities. The Teen is willing to fail - as long as she does so with flair and can leap right into another try as soon as she knows what didn’t work. Little One is more cautious and thinks through each move before she makes it. I think they’re both right.
See those feet at the top? That’s Little One. Quiet and steady and as sure of her path as any of us can be. Those pink feet at the bottom are mine. I’m still trying to figure out this “growing up” bit. I learn a lot about it by watching my kids. They seem to be good at it, ready for whatever it brings. I’m just nostalgic about our time together already, wondering, ‘Who am I without them?’
On my mind today:
- The best gift my Grandmother ever gave me: Telling me she still felt 16 inside when she was in her 80s.
- My kids are wonderful people.
- Ordinary days are surprisingly precious.
