When our youngest child left home for college (a few states away) a friend of mine asked me how I could possibly cope with this. The fact being that both my children were now living far away and I was a true empty nester. Also knowing that most of my adult life for the past 25 years had been totally devoted to them. And yet she may have been asking becuase I was sitting on my front porch with a smile on my face and pure joy in my heart. Not because my children were gone but because as I reflected back over the years I hadn’t missed one milestone moment.
I was there for this child when he first smiled . . .
When that first giggle fell from his mouth . . .
When he rolled over for the first time . . .
When he crawled, and took that milestone first step . . .
When he mouthed the words momma . . .
When he learned to peddle and ride down the street on his two wheeled bike . . .
And then I was there to watch him pass his drivers test and official drive me home.
I was there to watch his first baseball game, his first soccer game, his first basketball game . . .
and I was there to cheer as he played his last.
I was there when he needed election posters made as he ran for class office . . .
and I was there when they announced the winners.
I was there to walk him into kindergarten (ok, he wouldn’t actually let me walk him into the school, way too cool for mom to do that) . . .
and I was there to watch as he took this milestone moment and received a much earned college diploma.
I was even there when he sent me a text asking if I could use my creative brain and make those things that go around your neck for him and the roomies for graduation. Things??? My daughter clued me in, he wants some kind of candy/money lei.
So I was still there to make and create . . . (yes, I’m crazy, I folded accordion style, then strung, then taped them into fans 200 $1.00 bills)
and deliver for this fun milestone moment.
Yes, I have been there to see these milestone moments . . .
of watching my children as they grow from dependent children to self confident, independent adults . . .
living on their own . . .
making lifelong friends . . .
crossing bridges all on their own . . .
not being afraid to travel down new and unknown roads . . .
And yet still knowing that wherever they choose to fly and wherever their dreams take them . . .
this momma will never miss a milestone moment.
I was touched reading this. You have (and had) so much joy and happiness in your life. You are a very lucky woman, but you know that. Which is why there is a smile on your face. Thank you for bringing up two of these incredible human beings. Who knows what they will bring the world? And if nothing at all, then at least they bring so much joy for you and your family. But it won’t be nothing. As giving people touch other lives in a very positive way. It is a chain reaction.
Greetje
I am getting soppy here. Your fault.
You are such dear friend to feel my emotions so closely. Means a lot to me.
Such a poignant and powerfully positive post my dear! Big hugs to such an incredible loving Momma!
Sending you much love!
xoxo
Tamera
Thank you, my wonderful and dear friend. It’s from one momma to the other, I know you can certainly relate to every word and feeling here.
A beautiful post, something exciting for all who are parents, and we have experienced the empty nest syndrome, but we are proud to have succeeded in their education. I’m excited for your words, Trina. Despite the excitement, I can see that in the last picture you look really elegant.
Thank you again. Yes, the empty-nest syndrome and yet the continued success and excitement these grown children continue to show makes it all worth it.
Will now you did it, your own Momma and Daddy are reading this with tears rolling down our checks. You learned the importance of true dedication, support and love for your family. It will continue on with your grandchildren as it has with us. I truly know exactly how you feel, I felt the same way when we watched you receive your college degree and went on to be the best elementary school teacher ever, and then a wife, mom and now a grandmother. Not to mention that you are a wonderful and caring daughter and sibling.
Life is truly about love of family and service to others and you exemplify all of these traits.
Forever proud of you our daughter, Mom and Dad
Learned this from the best parents ever!
What a beautiful post capturing what a parent does for their child. Looks like and your husband did a wonderful job raising your children! Congrats to your son on his accomplishment!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Thank you Alice, parenting is the best gift I’ve ever been given, I’m sure you can relate to this completely.
Ok, you have got some handsome men on your hands … or not? anyway, they are handsome! You are a fabulous and giving mother, I can see all the thought that goes into everything you do. I am sure it has been these boys into very special adults. Gulp.
Treasure those memories , as you know many more are to come!
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Isn’t that the truth? I’ve definitely learned to treasure each moment and look forward to the next.
So neat. I can’t believe how time flies. To think I substituted for you.
Sent from my iPad
>
Seriously! Where did that time go? By the way, we need to plan our luncheon date.
Trina: Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories with us. They caused me reflection on my own experience with my children and how glad I am that I was there for all of those times, also. And now, I get to continue them with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren! How blessed we are!
Amen to that! There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t five thanks for these incredible blessings, thats for sure.
Hello Trina! Reading this post put happy tears on my face. It brought to me lots good memories from my past. You have such a beautiful family and I must say that you are a remarkable mother and human being. Thanks for sharing such beautiful moments in your son’s life and it was such a breath of fresh air to see you always by his side. Hugs and kisses you way! XOXO, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
What touching and loving words Jeannette, thank you so very much.
Your words and the faces of your family give away what good people you are.
Trina, this was such a touching post. Thank you, for sharing your heart, and your family with us!