"BACKWARD, TURN BACKWARD, O TIME, IN YOUR FLIGHT,MAKE ME A CHILD AGAIN...JUST FOR TONIGHT!"
---ELIZABETH AKERS ALLEN
I have learned that: Childhood happens but once; there is but one magical season. The rest of life is spent in attempts to recapture its essence or in ignorance of its memory. One time only. There is never a "do-over".
My favorite childhood classics are A.A. Milne's "Winnie the Pooh" and "Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie. One story celebrates the ordinary, every day life of a boy; the other book, one who refuses to grow up and the adults who have forgotten the beauty of the childhood experience.
With my second son's high school graduation upon me, I am reflecting upon my child's youth and my role in it. I have learned (Musings of a Housewife): there is no substitute for being there. By making such a bold, simple statement, I am not implying something negative about the situation of any other parent. At the same time I am not diminishing my experience by not saying it. When I say to one son "You are very smart, and I am so pleased at how hard you to work in school." I want to say something about that boy. It means what it means. It does not mean I am saying to the other two, " Y'all are stupid and a lazy bums that never do your homework." Comprende?
I have learned: A mom's life is a life without thanks. so sometimes I have to pat myself on the ole back.I have sacrificed lots in my life, including the putting of my own dreams on hold, the living of life on much less financially, and the literal giving of my entire being to the cause of being always available for my children. Now, as I am sending the second of three away to college soon, I can confidently say this: I have no regrets.
I have learned to put others before myself: I have changed every diaper. I have put the magical band-aid on every 'boo-boo'. I have been present through rollerblading, bicycle, and driving lessons. I've seen every tooth pulled and delivered every tooth fairy surprise. I have read stories, helped with reading and homework and projects, called out spelling words and listened to speeches. I have been on field trips, missions trips, and, now letting go as I send another one on a senior trip.
I have learned many roles: I've been a nanny, cook, housekeeper, laundry mistress, doctor, baker,teacher, cheerleader, coach, taxi driver, social director and party planner, inspirational speaker, drill sargent, Bible teacher and preacher and discipler, mentor, tutor, speed trainer, seamstress and costume -maker, videographer and photographer, exercise instructor, homework taskmaster, alarm clock, towne crier, pyscologist, Dr. Phil.
I've been a mom for almost 20 years, so I didn't learn all these things this week, but on the other hand, I re-learn them all the time.
My favorite childhood classics are A.A. Milne's "Winnie the Pooh" and "Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie. One story celebrates the ordinary, every day life of a boy; the other book, one who refuses to grow up and the adults who have forgotten the beauty of the childhood experience.With my second son's high school graduation upon me, I am reflecting upon my child's youth and my role in it. I have learned (Musings of a Housewife): there is no substitute for being there. By making such a bold, simple statement, I am not implying something negative about the situation of any other parent. At the same time I am not diminishing my experience by not saying it. When I say to one son "You are very smart, and I am so pleased at how hard you to work in school." I want to say something about that boy. It means what it means. It does not mean I am saying to the other two, " Y'all are stupid and a lazy bums that never do your homework." Comprende?
I have learned: A mom's life is a life without thanks. so sometimes I have to pat myself on the ole back.I have sacrificed lots in my life, including the putting of my own dreams on hold, the living of life on much less financially, and the literal giving of my entire being to the cause of being always available for my children. Now, as I am sending the second of three away to college soon, I can confidently say this: I have no regrets.
I have learned to put others before myself: I have changed every diaper. I have put the magical band-aid on every 'boo-boo'. I have been present through rollerblading, bicycle, and driving lessons. I've seen every tooth pulled and delivered every tooth fairy surprise. I have read stories, helped with reading and homework and projects, called out spelling words and listened to speeches. I have been on field trips, missions trips, and, now letting go as I send another one on a senior trip.
I have learned many roles: I've been a nanny, cook, housekeeper, laundry mistress, doctor, baker,teacher, cheerleader, coach, taxi driver, social director and party planner, inspirational speaker, drill sargent, Bible teacher and preacher and discipler, mentor, tutor, speed trainer, seamstress and costume -maker, videographer and photographer, exercise instructor, homework taskmaster, alarm clock, towne crier, pyscologist, Dr. Phil.
I've been a mom for almost 20 years, so I didn't learn all these things this week, but on the other hand, I re-learn them all the time.
What other roles have you 'played' as a mom?
Your baby is going to be going off to college? How are you dealing with that?
ReplyDeleteI love being present for my daughter. I just wish that all the moments didn't go by so quickly.
Thank you for this post. I am in the middle of the "magical" years--and sometimes it doesn't feel very magical; I'm sure you understand what I mean. I was recently contemplating trying to find part-time work, but my heart is telling me that my youngest child is only 3 and that I need to stay home a while longer. I feel peace about it, especially after reading this post.
ReplyDeleteThis was so well spoken. I love the roles I play as mother to my son! He is a blessing for sure! It seriously goes by in the blink of an eye, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteBeing there for our children -- being able to be there for our children (even when it diminishes a bit of the jet-setting life) -- is a luxury. It makes us richer than any ol' Bill or Melinda Gates.
ReplyDelete=-- Cuz