8/25/2023
Off To College, A Note To MomsEvery new step into our children’s future brings them excitement. Maybe a little trepidation, but excited trepidation (if there is such a thing).
And every new step into our children’s future brings us mamas a little bit of pain. We see their excitement and we are so happy for them, but our hearts break just a little bit with each step they take. When they’re an infant, we think we want them to take those first steps but the minute they do, we’re missing our little baby. Because once they take that first step, they don’t stop. Life goes on, faster and faster. You feel as if they are running and your heart is whispering, slow down. Please slow down. From elementary to junior high to high school to drivers permits and licenses to college applications and packing up their things. And then to driving off. They can hardly sit still. You see the future in their eyes, but you also see your past. Your baby. You smile with them, but you feel it deeply. They are leaving. And as you watch them drive away your heart is screaming. Slow down. Mamas everywhere are saying goodbye to their babies right about now. After a year of non stop craziness, they are suddenly left with a quick hug outside a packed car or dormitory far from home. And for a brief moment, you see it in their eyes. 18 years of emotions flooding to the surface. Because in that moment they realize who you really are and who you have always been and a part of them doesn’t want to let go either. A tear may sneak out and a whisper of “love you’s” might follow~ but then, it’s over. They turn and they’re gone. I remember all of it. All the tears and all the emotions and all the excitement and all the pride. Like it was yesterday. I remember thinking they were gone for good. This was it. But it wasn’t. And it isn’t for you either mama Because they will ALWAYS remember who you really are and who you have always been and you will always be “home” to them. You will always be love. You will always be comfort. You will always be a needed hug and a shoulder to cry on and a recipe to share and the doctor when they don’t want to call the doctor. You will always, always be mom and they won’t ever forget. Because they will always be your baby. |
© 2020 HOLDING HOPE