This time last year our oldest son moved out, heading to medical school. As we loaded the U-Haul and followed him down the highway, my mind kept returning to, “He’s really moving this time…” I was excited for him, yet I knew this was a significant season marker for me, too. More than the obvious.
What I knew in my mind needed to flow to my momma’s heart – so I could see who he was becoming.
See him the way God wants me to see him.
So I can be in relationship with him the way God wants me to be – because it will be the best way – for him, for me, for our relationship.
Still and always Mom, but as God wants me to be – not as I think and not as this culture thinks.
This weekend I “get” to do this again.
Our next son is moving out, also to another city. All week he’s been going through years of mementos, as he decides what to keep and what to discard. Every time I wander into his room, an item grabs my eye and my mind conjures the memory it represents and what he looked like at that age. His music blares; sometimes I ask him to turn it down, but more often I think of how quiet our home will be next week… We’ll say good-bye, I’ll cry, grab one more hug, and watch him walk into the next season of his future.
Endless hours in the yard and in our home … sharing the ordinary.
Listening in or watching as their imaginations run wild. Boundless energy. Where does it come from?!
Soccer, basketball, football, tennis …. cheering for them whether they played 2 minutes or the entire game.
Awards ceremonies – Watching and waiting 2 hours for him to walk across that stage … or waiting 2 hours knowing he won’t walk across, but we’re there because he is there.
Coming home from work, exhausted, praying for God’s grace and energy to engage and be present to them because they matter so much more than the office I just left.
Trying to conquer my chores in the midst of countless interruptions.
… Today, I love to hear their voices interrupt the quiet.
Playing like bear cubs … brawling like, well, like brothers. NOW I can see it as iron sharpening iron – theirs and mine!
Building – when we don’t realize we’re building.
Back then I believed it all was worth it. Now I KNOW it was. Still is.
“Dear God,
Thank You for the opportunities that you give us in this present season. Help us follow You into the future of our relationship with each of our children. Help us see each of them the way that You want us to see. Amen.”
edith says
This beautiful presentation is a real tear jerk-er. This week-end has been a walk down memory lane for me also. Now the two children the Lord blessed us with are many miles distant. Every day I pass “something” that pulls a memory laying in the recesses of my mind. Congratulations to your young men who are taking yet another step in life’s journey.
Teresa says
Hi Edith,
I can’t even imagine how many more memories you have in your journey as a mother and grandmother. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me!
angelinaballerinAngela says
Precious words. I birthed three children in 3 1/2 years. They all married within 18 months and I have 5 grandchildren under four…..whew….good times are coming for you. “The best is yet to be.”
Teresa says
Hi, it’s good to hear from you again! Our 3 are that close in age, too. Sooo busy, but quite an adventure-in the best of ways. Thanks for your encouraging words about the future!
Bill Smyth says
How nice to read this piece! My own girls will graduate from college together this coming May! With Frances in Heaven, I feel the burden especially heavily as I seek to raise two wonderful children. Parenting is always challenging. Children’s transitions are never easy.
Teresa says
Hi Bill,
How wonderful to have your comment. I cannot imagine the responsibility for you. But having known Frances and knowing you, I imagine you have raised two amazing daughters. I pray their senior year is special for all of you.