Our youngest had her last high school volleyball tryout, 4th time making the Varsity team, 1st time being named a Captain!
We went to her last high school registration day, she applied to her 1st college.
I ran my last volleyball parent meeting, but made friends with many nervous 1st time parents.
Our oldest finished her last summer semester, her internship, to start her first day of her last semester in college.
It is bittersweet when lasts become firsts.
Their first steps toward independence, a very scary thought to this mom. College I have been through, on their own, I have not. However, both are beautiful, bright, intelligent girls, and I am looking forward to seeing how far they can go. Each day they amaze me!
I reach deep into my memories...back to the first day each took their first steps...those are the same kind of nervous feelings I feel now. What if they fall? 21 and 17 years later I can honestly say, THEY WILL GET BACK UP, SKINNED KNEES AND ALL, AND BE JUST FINE! And, they will still call and need their momma!
While there are times I would like to go back and have more time, make they "little" again, there are also times I do not...I am soooo proud of how far they have come and to go back would be to rob them of all they have accomplished, and the memories we have made in the process.
So, I write this not to be a downer but to say...cherish each step, be there for them, applaud them, and hug them at the end, and tell them, "job well done!!!"
OMG Lauren! You made me cry!!! What a beautiful post. Mine are 3 and 1 1/2 and already I feel like time has flown by. I can't imagine what I will be feeling when they are 21 and 17. You sound like an amazing mom and what lucky girls they are to have you. May this year hold many more beautiful memories for you and your family! xo
ReplyDeleteOh, this brought me to tears. It's amazing the emotions we feel as mamas. Your girls are so precious. I admire so much your love and dedication. And I promise to appreciate and savor the moments of buying crayons. I know it is fleeting.
ReplyDeleteWow this is amazing, Lauren! I will remember this post when someday {lord willing!} I have kids. My mom always tells me the same thing...to cherish every second, because they go by so fast! How exciting that she applied to her first college. Where did she apply? Tell her she'd be very welcomed at SPU (: We have a great volleyball team, too! (:
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. It isn't a downer, this is every parents wish, hope, and dream for their children. We want to raise them to be stellar people with goals and character. You and your husband have done a great job with them. Thanks for sharing your words of advice.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how fast time goes isn't it? Our little one is just starting out...crayons were on our list. As a mom I'm realizing that we will never stop worrying about them. No matter how old they are.
ReplyDeleteHow bittersweet it all is.
I can only imagine how you are feeling Lauren. You have poured your heart and soul into raising two beautiful young women- it must be so rewarding to see the fruits of your labor. The benefit is the great relationship you have with them. I hope James and I are as close when he's older. The time just goes so fast. HUGS to you!!!!
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