Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Dear old golden rule days

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Where does the time go?

I went and registered Jack this morning for the next 13 years of his life. It seems like just yesterday I was rocking him to sleep, whispering in his ear of the future that lies ahead of him.

And now, here the future is knocking, no, banging on our door. I can't believe my baby boy is heading off to all-day, every-day school next year. I tell ya, it is breaking this poor mama's heart.

I was signing all the papers this morning in the school reception area, listening to the kids playing in the restrooms, watching them line-up down the hall, looking at the various art projects teachers had plastered to the walls outside their classrooms...and on came the tears.

Don't misunderstand me - I am so excited for Jack and am anxious to see as he takes this next step towards manhood, all the things God has in store for him. But man, how it can make a person feel old. And it's not only that, but it's also the fact that you start to question your parenting skills: Did I teach him everything he needs to know - like how to obey and be respectful? Did I teach him right from wrong? Did I spend enough quality time with him while he was within my soul care?

I'm sure the answer to that last question is a resounding "NO!", because I don't ever think one can spend enough time with their kids; because before you know it they are grown teenagers wanting to hang out with their friends, and then it's off to college where they may meet the love of their life and eventually marry said person, and then they have kids of their own - All the while, you remain at home wondering if you raised them to the best of your ability.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh boy. It happens to fast, doesn't it? I've done the same thing with 4 kids now. And now I've got a daughter in middle school, shaving her legs and wearing trendy clothes. I don't know what to do with myself. :)

Amy said...

I am watching my senior boy go through his senior year as fast as he can just to get to college. I pray all the time it will slow down because I will miss him so much. Being a Mom is not for the faint of heart. Enjoy your sweet children for in the blink of an eye they will be out of the nest and flying. I have to remind myself that is what we want them to do. Just don't miss every opportunity to teach them the love of Jesus and love for others. Blessings.

Dawn said...

This was very sweet. :)

I was just the opposite. I coudn't wait for them to start school! I'll probably really regret it later.

I taught kdg. and saw many crying mothers over the years. ;)

Debbie said...

We always second guess ourselves and it is never easy to see them grow up. Enjoy.

Michelle said...

I agree. It goes by too fast. Grace is in 3rd grade and I want her to stop growing up!

Ratliffs said...

Wow. You reached right out and pulled some of my heart strings there! I get to go through this lovely process in a couple of months, and I'm not quite sure I'm ready to. My son is, of course, though!

Quality time with my children is the biggest thing that I beat myself up with. It makes me so sad that they keep growing up and flying farther away, taking a bit of my heart with them.

Hang in there...it'll turn out for the good. Right?!? I sure hope so!!

Mrs. E. said...

Oh, what a wonderful picture you have to hang on to. Don't we always wonder if we are doing are best? Asking God to fill in all the gaps. :)
Heather

Unknown said...

they sure do grow up fast...I am still not ready and mine are in 5th,8th and 9th grade

Liz Brack said...

Your picture is very precious!! I enrolled Isaac too yesterday. Oddly enough my thought lay more with... is our school/teachers capable of makeing the right decisions, will they have 2 or 3 classes of Pre-K, ect.... Time will tell. I'm thankful our boys will be together. And that the sweet ladies at FUMC formed our MDO to give our boys a little taste of next year Before it actually arrives.

Daniele said...

So sweet and so true! I am so not ready to enroll Eli in a few months for Pre-K, I will probably cry the whole time!

Anonymous said...

Sweet post. Such a bittersweet milestone, isn't it?

@nnie said...

I love this post. It made my heart melt.

Anonymous said...

awwwwwwwwww....how SWEET is that!! I'm telling you, it goes by in an INSTANT! Next thing you know, they'll be asking you to take him driving... :(

And mine is only 13 and already asking! HAAAAAA

Julie said...

thanks for stopping by my blog... and I just LOVE this post and the picture...you made me tear...

ThatsBaloney said...

It really broke my heart when Jacob turned 5. He is in half-days this year and I'm gonna miss him when he goes to school all day next year! Part of me sings "FREEDOM" but the bigger part wishes I could hold on just a bit longer.

CIRCLE OF LIFE said...

it broke my heart when rella turned 9 ... i want to keep her in a bubble..

lovew this shoot missy and yes got it love it learning it..


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