“You’re gonna miss this.” That’s what people say. I’ve heard it ever since my kids were babies. There’s even a song about it. But, honestly, miss it? Really? I don’t feel it.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my babies...when they were babies. The every-two-hour feeding schedule for preemies; the no-bleach-in-the-laundry for sensitive skin; the up-all-night-screaming (mostly the baby). The nightly bath time, the smell of baby lotion, their soft breath on my arm or neck as they fell asleep. They were so cute!
The first days of school; the “I can do it myself” tantrums (again, mostly the baby); the running away from home only to make it to the end of the driveway. The birthday parties and sleepovers and almost always a house full of kids ages 2 to 12.
The 11-year-old girl drama stage; the Power Ranger kicks; hearing “hey Mama guess what” for the millionth time.
Getting their driver’s permit, and then their license. Making sure everybody and every vehicle was covered on the insurance. Prom. Graduation. Visiting colleges. The day they moved out.
I wouldn’t change any of it. I have loved my kids at every stage of their lives. But go back and do it again? I’m not sure about that. Each phase had its good times, but it also had its completely nerve-racking times. And we have pictures of it all. There has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears that went into raising three healthy, well-behaved, independent, functional members of society. There were days when I had my doubts. And I was glad to do it. After all, I’m their Mama, and that’s what Mama’s do.
So, today, as I prepare myself for my oldest son’s high school graduation, trying not to be all mushy and sentimental, I admit I look back with tugging heart strings over the past 19 years. He has grown into quite a young man. Beside him, I have my newlywed daughter and her husband. And on the other side is my youngest, the new teenager in the family (who I just realized will be driving in little more than a year and a half). We have come a long way. But I don’t think either one of us wants to go back and start over. Can’t wait to see what the next phases bring!
