Life is lovely, but the ride is fast
I now have an almost senior and an almost junior in high school, and an almost senior in college. Wasn’t I just writing about my eldest heading off to college? I see kids of friends graduating from college and high school, and just can’t believe mine are at that point again. Longer ago, my family talked about the time that all the cousins would be in a grade in high school. Cam and Kenz were seniors, Selena and Jasmine were juniors, Hunter and Sasha were sophomores, and Zach was a freshman. That year came and went and with two of them graduating the years will all start piling together – quickly.
I look forward to their futures, but can’t say that I’m not a bit wistful about the whole process.
Hunter just tackled his driving test and now is the proud owner of a piece of plastic that says he can drive by himself. Like I said a few weeks ago, I look at him and he’s just that dark-headed little boy with the sparkling dark eyes. Who said he was allowed to drive? My kids can now take off with friends on the spur of the moment, leaving George and I to take up room on the couch in the evenings, wondering where the years have gone. I don’t mourn those years. I lived them and I’m glad.
It’s a different time of life right now, one where our offspring are in their “going away years” – ready to claim their world.
This is life. This is where the rubber meets the road.
The end of the school year always means anniversary to us. Last Saturday, we celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary, so we took off two separate days and saw movies, ate out, and enjoyed some time together. When the kids were small, I couldn’t wait for these two days. We would deposit them at mom’s and take off for some alone time. We’re alone more now than ever, so we’re adjusting to the “just you and me” time of our adult lives. They are still at home, but I can envision life now without them there. I need to take these few years left and enjoy them to the hilt, but also prepare myself for that empty nest I know is coming quickly. I won’t be the mom dragging on behind them, hanging on for dear life. When that time comes, I’ll have my cry, but in the same breath, go online and book that romantic vacation we’ve always wanted.
Life keeps moving, so I’d better buckle up and enjoy the ride. Graduations, leaving for college, and possible weddings are on my horizon. Life is so lovely, don’t you think?
Published: May 30, 2012
