Of all the ways technology pushes us forward, there’s one advancement that always sets me back–the “On this day” feature in Facebook and photo apps, the one that resurfaces precious memories from the archives when I’m least expecting it, reminding me of how much I miss Dash’s pudgy hands folded in prayer at the preschool Thanksgiving dinner…
…how much I loved the days of watching the girls plie at the barre behind the classroom windows of the ballet studio…
…and how simple life was was when buckling babies into strollers to set off on excursion brought so much joy, all of life’s struggles and the world’s problems seemed to disappear.
At the same time, I love looking back at such joy. I will always treasure those young motherhood years, and it’s nice to be reminded of how far we’ve come and how much fun we had (ahem…are having). Watching our kids grow and change is a universal rite of passage for all parents, and it doesn’t come without its challenges. But after several years of unproductive longing for the past and hoarding the present, I think I’ve reached a healthy balance between painful nostalgia and “Don’t pull a Lot’s wife and look back” onward motivation. This balance hasn’t come without inward work though. I am, by nature, extremely sentimental–a characteristic that requires awareness and effort to make sure it serves as a superpower as opposed to a stumbling block. Gratitude is the greatest kryptonite to unhealthy longing for the past, but there are a few things I also implement that have helped me. A few weeks ago, a friend who cherishes so many of the same things I do about motherhood texted this: “What do you do when you get sad/overwhelmed that they are growing up too fast?” This is my response.
1. Clean and purge.
Cleaning and purging my kids’ rooms is so therapeutic. I used to avoid getting rid of old clothes and toys or changing anything about the rooms that held all the memories, but hoarding and intentionally keeping everything the same takes up emotional space and only serves as a reminder that everything is different. I love the emotional space that’s created when I clean things up, rearrange furniture and get rid of things that no longer serve a purpose. That’s space for NEW memories!
2. Write a letter.
Writing is the most powerful tool for getting unstuck. Feeling sad and longing for yesteryear? Write a letter to your old self–when you had babies. Write to that girl and tell her all that she has to look forward to. Or write a letter to your future self–when all the kids are grown. Tell her what you hope she’s doing. Remind her of what she loved. (Current letter would include how much I love watching my kids interact with their grandparents, listening to Dash practice reading, telling Lainey about my favorite mascara, picking up Nella from a playdate…)
3. Print new photos.
Choose 20 photos from this past year and send them to Walgreens. Make ornaments with them or switch out frames. Printing current photos helps me stay present and thankful for all that is now. We have a mix of old and new photos displayed in our home to help keep us in the middle–grateful for the past, excited for the future.
4. Plan something for the coming months.
A new tradition, a trip, a day outing, a day of hookie in exchange for baking and crafts. Pouring my energy into upcoming excitement keeps me from dwelling in the past.
5. Let yourself be sad, but put the kabash on it after an appropriate amount of time.
Moving forward without looking back can be revered as a sign of strength; but if you’re avoiding real emotions, they might build under the surface. Sometimes you just have to get the sads out. I cry almost every Christmas day at the end of the day, purging the emotions and sentimentality that stockpiles in December. The cry feels good, and I’m ready to move on to the new year. Pull a piece of paper out write a list of 5 things you desperately miss about the old days. Cry if it feels good. Save the letter in a keepsake box for your kids to read someday. (I miss having them in my arms all day.)
6. Text someone who gets it.
But choose someone who won’t wallow too much with you. I text my sister because she’s sentimental about motherhood too, but yet she’s so good about pushing me to be present because getting too sad and longing is paralyzing.
7. Find good examples of inspiring role models ahead of the journey.
Keep your eye on them. Become them. Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep make me excited to grow older. Likewise, I have wonderful examples of moms of adults who are strong, happy, life-loving individuals with so many wonderful things to say about motherhood later on. They’re not longing for the past…they are living beautifully in the present.
8. Raising kids who fly away from the nest is a privilege.
It’s the same tool we use to combat the sadness of aging: The opposite of aging is not staying young. The opposite of aging is dying–not having the privilege to experience growth and wrinkles and the hardship that getting older naturally brings. Watching our kids change from sweet preschoolers who excitedly wake up on Christmas morning, searching for reindeer footprints to teenagers who slump around the living room, pretending to be unimpressed is the greatest privilege in parenting. They’re living their one, wild and precious life; and it has moved beyond the days when we woke up six times a night to make sure they were still breathing. They made it, they’re making it…and we get to watch it happen. This is not what we avoid…it’s what we hope for. The new moms we see holding babies and writing those first chapters of early motherhood? They need us to keep the lighthouse lit.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again…there is more. As we tiptoe (or cartwheel full force) into the holidays, that sentiment comforts and fuels me. xo
Liz says
Keep the lighthouse lit. Yes, this mama of one 14 month old desperately looking to older moms for that light. I’ve already become paralyzed with growth because it’s suddenly so extreme walking, pushing, exploring. This is such a good reminder of pain and beauty of being a parent. Thank for you keeping the beacons lit for us coming along the path.
Tobilinn says
My kids are in their 20’s and 30’s. But now I have a grandson who just turned one. I am crying at the beauty and truth in your words. Thank you.
Tina Lindahl says
I was just talking about this very thing with my sister yesterday. My sons are 30 and 28, hers are almost 16 and 12, so lots of changes are happening. But I told her, it doesn’t end when they are 18, there is so much ahead of you to enjoy. Meeting girlfriends, proms, touring colleges etc. For me seeing my sons grow into the men I had hoped for, it is reward everyday. Neither of them live around here so when they come home, one with a wife now and one with a fiance, we make a huge deal out of everything and they are in on all of it.
In fact last year I received the best comment ever when my future daughter in law said to me on christmas morning, I feel like I’m in a hallmark movie.
Well, you just know all had been achieved and I loved every minute of it. They all happily wore christmas pjs, watched christmas movies, had a special cousins breakfast etc. So be assured moms of young ones, it is not over, not by a long shot.
My sons getting older also has opened up my world in ways I just really didn’t see when they were young and we were trying to get through days in one piece. We have traveled all over together, hawaii, italy etc.
Knowing your children as adults has to got to be one of the greatest joys in life!!!
Kaydee says
You are the mom I aspire to be when my babies are grown. Do you have an Instagram? Facebook? Blog? I need more of you in my life! 🙂
Tina says
Do you mean me? If so, what a sweet thing to say! I am on Instagram trl982 ?
Michelle says
Omg, I have been so sad at the thought of my kids growing up. Many nights of lost sleep. Thank you for the insights, appreciate it.
Mary says
Me too, Michelle, me too. It’s a heavy weight – especially at 3am.
Mary Lou says
Me to I find myself not be able.to breath. I am not scared I just don’t know who I am without them. Before them I was alone and I don’t want to go back to that. They gave me a life. To early morning basketball or hockey to late nights waiting for the bus.
pearl says
Me too. I have one 15 year old son and I’ve been feeling sad and paralyzed lately, wishing time would slow down. I need to change my outlook and perspective on what wonderful moments are in store.
rebecca says
Pearl and Mary Lou,
I feel exactly the same! My 14 year old is growing into such a wonderful young man and I want to be able to enjoy it but I find myself missing that little boy he was so badly I can hardly breathe.
g tAYLOR says
Dear Tina,
Seconding Kaydee’s reply. You sound like an amazing mom and MIL:) Your ‘cherish but let ’em grow’ is appreciated by every friend, every roommate, every daughter- and son-in-law around!
Much love.
g
Tina says
That is such a kind thing to say!! Thank you!!!
Marielle says
you should start a blog too!! Please!
Shelby stahl says
Thank you for that
My daughter is 21 and wants to move out. I’m so sad!!
Terry cassidy says
It’s indeed sad, but when they move out to start their own adventure remember you helped create that person. I feel it during the holidays for sure but sometimes it’s just missing the noise and chaos of a house full of kids and their buddies. And attending school events and band concerts. The days can be tiring and long but the years fly by at amazing speed. You were there for their breaths and they’ll be there for your last. It’s the way of life
Father of two grown boys
Lara White says
Thank you!!!
Sandra Bryant says
Thank you!! This comment really helped me.
Kellyn says
“Raising kids who fly away from the nest is a privilege.”
This is the most important point. Knowing or being a parent who loses a child means you will never say the words “I wish they would stay little.” Life is uncertain and there are no guarantees. Watching a person grow is truly a privilege…both that they’re here and so are you.
Pearl says
Amen
Katie says
It’s like you’re my soul sister. Most of everything you write (especially this post in particular) is like it was written out of a chapter in my heart. I miss those preschool days too but I catch myself and often remind myself not to be absent from the present day which in my world includes two girls, ages 15 & 12. I never knew just HOW much I would miss the little days until they were long gone. Now though, I enjoy seeing a romantic chick flick with my older daughter and swapping makeup secrets and tips. As always, life feels bittersweet…
Suzan says
My darling babies are now 28, 26 and 23. I am enjoying the next phase and am privileged to look after my two year old granddaughter two days each week. Her smile when she realises I am there make the frustrations of the day worth while. We are potty training at present. It is so wonderful to see her being so pleased with her mastery of this skill set.
Today was to be predicted to be over 100 so Miss Mia and I hit the park as soon as her parents left for work. We had a magical hour playing in a space that had no other children. I make sure to enjoy as much as I can because I may not have another grandchild. But if I do it will be such a joyous thing.
I didn’t have time enough with my precious babies as I worked, studied and used cloth diapers as you call them. There was the endless washing on top of two shift working parents.
Sandy says
I can relate to all that sentimentality. I only have one son and he and I were very close. Now he is married with a child of his own. The hardest transition for me to accept (and still is!) is that I am no longer number one in his life. Once he took a wife she became the star attraction and I was (gently) pushed to the back burner as it should be. But nonetheless…difficult to swallow!
Kristi says
My only child, son 15, will be 16 in oct 20’, and I am feeling the same as not being the #1 in his life, as a girlfriend is now in the mix and I truly feel the days of needing mommy are long gone.
Feeling very sad, trying to recall/remember/hold on to every memory if his life, some of the details are fuzzy and I feel like a bad parent that I don’t remember everything lividly. Sorry to ramble. Depression is definitely setting it.
Pearl says
I’m in the same exact boat. Only one child, son, turned 15 last week and I feel paralyzed with sadness and depression. Im looking for ways to cope with not being needed and not being number 1. I sound like a narcissist but Im just being honest. I love him so much it hurts.
Eileen Souza says
Just noticed the tattoo on your left arm. How long have you had it and what does it say? I have a new one on my left wrist….It says “Love”.
Kelle says
I drew it on. Temporary…says “there is more”
Geri Kody says
Wow thanks very timely. Todays my twin sons 31st birthday and tmrw.s my daughters 45th! Feeling sad 2 of 3 living elsewhere but we re still close. The one here is so helpful and great!! I need gratitude and remember theyres truly life after / beyond family!
Vi says
Has your cousin not been able to send you the leaves this year. Or have I missed the post?! I keep looking but I’ve not seen it:(
The stage in life I found the hardest was parenting an adult .. or more to the point listening and encouraging without giving an opinion, it’s doable but so very hard.
Your doing marvellously
Kelle says
We got them! They are on Instagram.
Vi says
Have I missed your leaves, or did you not receive them this year, I look forward to that post all year 🙂
The hardest part of parenting I found, was parenting an adult the ability to listen and observe without giving an opinion unless asked. You are doing marvellously.
Greta Starbuck says
I really needed this. At least I am not alone in my feelings. With a HS junior and a middle schooler, I have been on the edge of tears for months, realizing I’m (more than?) half-way through and they’ll be flying off soon…happy for their future but sad for myself. I still have a good longggggggg cry now and then (I know there will be so many more) but I’m just a HUGE mush ball of sentimental momma who wants everything to stay the same, forever.
Mary says
I am crying my eyes out this morning wondering if this will be the last Christmas my 9 year old will embrace the magic. I do not want them to grow older…and yet I know it’s the natural way of the world and that I need to embrace it. I am everything in this post. A mushy ball of nostalgia while clinging to the present and fearing what the future will bring. I want to freeze them right now. Sometimes the fear of “is this the last time” takes away from enjoying the moment and I hate that. I don’t really have a parent group that shares these feeling so I’m grateful for your blog post and for knowing I’m not alone in these feelings.
Marielle says
Almost 11 years ago, my daughter was born and due to severe complications (toxic shock) I was in IC for the first 6 weeks of her life. The doctors brought her to me when I went to medium care and I was unable to hold her yet. Now, 11 years later, I still feel like I am catching up time I have lost.. I REALLY needed this, it is so difficult to let go. To keep looking in the future too. But I am grateful she is turning in such a beautiful, kind girl. I am so grateful. Thank you, as tears are streaming down my face, thank you!
Joshua A Torres says
Looked for something to help with the depression of time flying by too fast. My son will be 16 next month, and I’m happy to say i haven’t missed a day in his life. I just get really sad knowing that one day i won’t be able to be there for him. Thanks for alleviating a lot of the sadness.♥️
Nick says
My ex has kept me and my daughter apart for 17 yrs now. I have not seen here since she was year old, upon my last visit, we played the french fry monster game, i will never forget it. I never got the chance to show her my Cookie Monster impression:( I recently acquired my daughters cell number, we have been secretly communicating since her 17th birthday which was March 2020. At 1st she was extremely nervous, as was I, two months in, she has opened up to me quite a bit, she even shared with me her class standing, she is 7th in her entire graduating class?
We still cannot speak on the phone just text, if her mother catches her it will be bad!
She is off to College next year, wants to be a Physician Assistant like her old man?
I feel so sad, an extreme empty nest syndrome i suppose! I did not raise her, we do not have a strong bond, but that does not change my absolute Love for her, after all, she is my baby, my man cub, my little creature. I dont know if i will ever see her again, or if going to college will widen the gap between us, i cannot compete with her growing up, making fri, and experiencing the world, i dont stand a chance, she will be too busy with her new lice as an adult. Im so depressed and lonely, i can fit under a rock:( Love does hurt, especially that of a Father for his cubs. Those of you, who are fortunate enough to live with your cubs, love them, tell them everyday how much you love them, never waste a moment, life is short, hug them, hold them
Panni says
I read this post time to time, and also the comments leaved below.
I am not english, in my country there is no so nuch place to talk about parenting anxiety like this.
It is comforting me reading other parents have similar things to worry by growing kids. Mine are almost 13 and almost 9, and the younger is still my baby, it is much harder to see through him the years passing, since He is the last one.
It started suddenly when He steped to kindergsrden at age 3,5. From this moment i always calculated the years how much is left until the last time closing the kindergarden’s gate. And it happened. I new from the very begining also with my older (daughter), that there will be an end, when She was 1, I looked at the 3 year old babies thinking “oh my God, mine baby will be sooo big one day”. So i have it in my soul from the first year, but there was a time, when i could hide rhis feeling while they were 7 and 3. I was so happy and feeping complet in this years, and when my daughter started school(at 6,5) i felt OK, thinking “we still have 4 years beeing little girl, then we will have an other 4 again by my son”. Today, my son is in the 2. school year, and we have only 2,5 left theoretically. My baby girl turned to a teenager, who is amazing, but each and every day i have a strong anxiety of time is passing, feelig the best part is over, and every day is shortening the time we left all together. Like a daddy of 3 grown up kids wrote here in a comment, i also feel the same, that social media is not helping.
I get the memories almost every day, since we spend our years on the 100% togeather living each moment preciously, but still, when i see the old pictures, i feel so sad and discomfort of “it was 2/4/6… years ago, and will never be the same again” that i usually cry for some minuts. I dont want my kids and also my husband to make crazy by my feeling and depression, but obviously they realise part of it.
This situation keeps standing for 4-5 years by now and it is so tiring, that i try to be at present, but many times i feel slightly sad even when we are spending fun time togeather.
I can’t take away the old toys, the diy peaces are still hanging on the wall from kindergarden years, and i still would like my teenage girl to ply one last time the hide and seek or place in the garden dollhouse.
Even i know that present is giving new memories for the future, and 5 years ahead i will think on today as their “baby” years, still, i don’t manage to be in present without panic. Once, i am grieving the past feeling that my most precious time of my life and my happiest days without anxiety is over, and in the other hand, i can not imagine the future without my children. Novadays, when they are spending time at school, i have a kind of panic of the empty house, and caunting the hours when i can take them home. It is a brand new feeling, and points that by passing time it will come worst.
I decided not to work for the last few years, to be always present for them,without missing any moments when they need my hug or my advice, or just beeing there for them. But what will happen, when they move out one day?….
For me, no one said a single word about how painfull is to be a parent.
I sarted this chapter of life like it would take for ever, than sudenly hit me on heart.
I was thinking and trying for ages for a last baby, as a cure, when the anxiety srarted, and felt so sad that it won’t be part of my experience anymore, but reading your comments i have the feeling that i could not awoid this depressive feelings anyhow.
Still, i can’t close this chapter, adding a new part of my family will be my dream until i am capable theoretically, and it makes the whole thing harder, i know♡
In my sociaty people are not so opened hearted like here, in Yours, so thank you so much for your rows, and shared feelings, at least i don’t feel myself an”idiot”:)))
And, thanks a lot forcthe author of this article, i know deep down that this would be the right direction also for me, i pray for some mental power to change my point of view.
Sorry for my english.
Shayla Blumbergs says
I love this is so much ? I googled “how to deal with my sadness of my kids growing up” and this post was the first to come up. So glad I read it. Like you I’m a super emotional person and I love your purging part- I’ve held on to old clothes and toys for too long to keep the memories but it’s time to move on. I’m especially having a hard time grappling with the fact that my sweet babies are turning 8 and 5. It’s like this pivotal point that they’re for sure no longer babies and I have big kids. I also feel with the pandemic that their sweet ages of 7 and 4 were lost in 2020 and we didn’t get to go out and do fun things, although a lot of special memories were made at home! Anyway, it’s comforting to know that there are other mamas out there that feel the same. I need to work on being present and that the future lies ahead for many beautiful moments with my children lies ahead ❤️
Mary says
Mine are 9 and 6, Shayla. I’m right there with you. I keep coming back to this blog post because I’m feeling more and more like time is slipping through my fingers. When they are 12 and 9 I will think back to this time as the “little years”- but right now I’m feeling so bittersweet about the whole growing up thing.
Briana says
This is exactly how I’m feeling lately. My boys are 9, 7 and 4 and this last month I feel like my heart is actually aching grieving their younger years and always calculating how old they will be in the next 2,4,6 years. I can feel my 9 year old slowly slipping away as he nears 10 and I know I only have probably a couple more years of the “kid” phase left. I’m not ready for it 🙁
John says
Dad here with a nine-year- old and feeling time rushing by, too. Glad to hear it’s not just me. Yesterday = sob gest breakdown thinking about all these things you all have discussed. Bittersweet indeed. Thanks.
Emma says
Thanks for the advice. I’m a mum to three children – 8yo, 5yo and 1yo. I was a little late to motherhood- but it has been the best thing I have ever done. My children are magic. I do my best to stay involved and keep creating and collecting wonderful memories.
I remember when my grandfather died years ago, Louis Armstrongs Wonderful World was played at his funeral. He chose it. He knew his wife of over 50yrs, his 6 children, his 16 grandchildren and his 7 great-grandchildren would be listening. At the time I was 17. Only now as a mother I can see the real beauty in that song and his selection. What a privledge he had to watch his children and grandchildren grow up. Life really is special.
Christina says
Watching my 14 year old twins grow up and having developmental disabilities has been a challenge. I want them to succeed on their own and at the same time would jump in a time machine in a heart beat and watch then grow up again.
They have not even left the house and I miss them already. I do wish elections were not such a huge deal these days.
Jerry says
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ShawN says
I’m a father of four. 1, 3, 5 and 7. Two girls and two boys. I’ve seen them grow up before my eyes.
Honestly, it’s beautiful to see. No matter how busy it gets I manage to stop and look at them grow. Remembering to enjoy those moments. Just as our parents enjoyed it when we were young.
I hope for them, to be kind people. I hold them close. I’m one of those dads that will still hug them tight as they get older. Enjoy every moment when you can. Savour it.
One day I hope they remember how much mom and dad loved them by looking at their children.
Louis Espinoza says
I am a single father and I have been raising my 6 year old son since day one, he is growing so fast and right now I am constantly thinking about how my baby is growing so fast and how he’s not my cute little munchkin who pitter patters about with his adorable little kitty voice anymore. All those thoughts come to mind and suddenly my heart is in my throat, my nose becomes congested and I bawl uncontrollably; I become very emotional. I can’t seem to shake this feeling it’s been driving me crazy but I stumbled upon this read and something you said calmed the overwhelming sadness; you said “Gratitude is the greatest kryptonite to unhealthy longing for the past” when I read that I felt
relieved a bit, thank you for your words they have helped me calm this longing.This feeling comes in waves and when I start to feel it again I will remember what you said and hope it helps me get through it once more.
carrie says
Echoing everything said here as I sob that my 11 old is becoming the young man I want him to be. Aging is a blessing and a privilege, yet I’m so deeply missing the “nuggles” (snuggles) and the joys of a little boy. There will certainly by many, many joys that come with having a young man in the home and those will be blessings as well. But, for now, in this moment, I desperately want to hit replay on the younger years and soak it all in–the days when his face lit up when I walked in and when he couldn’t get enough. Hug those babies, no matter how old they are. Love to my fellow happy sad mommas.
Emma says
Thank you for your article. I really needed to read this today! Beautifully written and so true!
Amy says
Thanks for this blog. I’m really struggling with my kids growing up. They are 16, 11, and 8. All boys. Im trying to be more present and enjoy the kid phase of my younger 2 and also enjoy the conversations with my 16 year old. I keep trying to will time back (I know, crazy thoughts). But I’m also angry for myself for being so busy the last few years that I lost out on so many memories. I went back to graduate school and had to work. I also had to leave for 6 weeks. I know I need to climb out of this depression, but not sure how.
Peng says
My son is almost 4 months old… Already grieving when he was a newborn.
Every day watching all his milestones is so bittersweet! I look forward to seeing the new but my heart aches letting go of the old. Everything in life, time, goes too fast.
It can be hard. Sometimes I feel lost and sometimes I feel busy. I remind myself to be happy and make memories for my family to cherish.
I remind myself no matter how old they know mom and dad will always be here & love them.
Stephen Howard says
I am a 46 year old day of a 6 year old daughter and 9 year old son and I am a mess the thought of them getting older and also leaving us when they are so perfect right now I have only tears and distress life seems so cruel to do this to me sorry but the day just isn’t long enough for hugs with the little people who are my most treasure possession. All the best Steve
JMm says
As a Dad of 3 – we also miss the days of yesteryear.. 26 -21 and 18 now .. I went by faster than they tell you .. I realize they r never coming home like before. Glad I come spend the precious time w them – so many good times with our4 walls …. Social media doesn’t help – it only makes us remember even more what we all miss …. How did our parents get through it back then … Peace
Ruth says
Awesome blog Kelle! I had a baby only 3 weeks ago and before the end of the first week I was already having anxiety about her growing up, wishing I could freeze time! Had been browsing online for something to read that might help with my feelings and your blog has really helped. Thanks so much 🙂
E says
This was the post I needed tonight. When you wrote that at the end of Christmas you have a good cry– I needed to know I’m not the only one! You put words to the way I’m feeling. Thank you!
Michael Davenport says
My daughter just turned 7 yesterday and my will be 10 next month, feeling very sad at the moment.
So many good memories of years gone by.
Melissa Van Groesbeck says
I just found this blog after crying all morning about my 4 growing up. I am 53, they are now 25, 21, 19 and 17. I cry daily. I miss the sippy cups and spilled goldfish on the floor as I sat and played with them. I gave up my career to stay home and today I am LOST. I just can’t get through this.. I feel like my life has changed so much and it doesn’t feel for the better. My favorite days are gone. I can’t get them back and I have no idea where to start in order to feel joy again. I will save this and try to read it when I’m feeling this way. I am stuck and cannot move forward(for some reason). Ty for this! 💕
Terry cassidy says
I’m the father of two boys, 18 and 25. The youngest graduated high school last week and I’ve had a flood of emotions. So proud I could burst as he got his diploma yet so sad that 25 years of parenting is ending. Each phase is something new to treasure. I miss the excitement and fun of the younger ages and miss the clamor of a house full of buddies during the high school years. But I can say my older son comes home to visit and do laundry, we make dinner or go out to eat and laugh and talk like friends. Give them their freedom and they come back for a new fantastic stage.
ilan says
I appreciate the authenticity and vulnerability you bring to your writing.
Chris says
Thank you. We dads need posts like this sometimes too. Especially when our youngest leaves toddlerhood and the relentless movement of time leaves us with nothing but our midlife crises.
bret says
Thank you for this blog, I have it bookmarked now!
I’m a father of two daughters, 8 and 4. Put me in the boat with everyone else that gets choked up thinking about how fast time has gone by. Before the pandemic my now 8 year old used to sit at the screen door every morning and wave/yell “bye daddy” as I headed off to work. I’ve been lucky enough to work from home since March of 2020 and am so blessed that I can take/pick her up from school, and pick up our youngest from pre-school, take them to ballet, soccer, etc..
The list of emotions goes on and on, and like someone else mentioned, no one told me how hard the emotional aspect of watching your kids grow up can be. Some stuff in life I really didnt “get” until I had kids of my own. Seeing our oldest transition from the shows she used to watch, toys she used to play with is tough. Luckily she still loves to play dress up and I’d say is a “kid at heart” (even though she still is a “kid”, but you know what I mean! I’m trying to soak as much of it up as I can.
As the saying goes, “the days are long, but the years are short”.
Christina J says
I needed to read this right now. I’m having an emotional start to the school year as my little girl moves on to second grade. I am relishing in all the hugs and kisses and I love you’s, yet somehow sabotaging myself worrying about the day when she’ll be all grown up and no longer think I hung the moon. This helped, and I’m saving it to read again when the school year ends 🙂