Wednesday, January 19, 2011

They grow up....

It's funny when you have a small child, everyday feels like a month or a year. You're so focused on the day to day caretaking, the days feel long and exhausting. You love it but some days you wonder if it will always be like this. Then one day, it's over. You stop to think, what happened? Yesterday,  you were six! Wait, I'm not ready! And all of a sudden, the house seems quiet, empty even. But it's exciting and thrilling for them and you are excited and thrilled for them.  Yet you're standing at the door wondering what you're going to do when you go back into the house.

It's like the day you brought them home from the hospital all over again. You don't know exactly how you're going to do this but you love them and you'll find your way.

14 comments:

RottenMom said...

Beautiful.
Oh, it's so hard, so hard.

For me, the first one to leave the nest is doing fine and making his way in the world, the second one is ready to fly. She leaves for college in the fall and I can't bare to think about it. I will still have one at home. Poor kid, he'll have us alone for 4 years.

SummersStudio said...

And even when they have moved into their own homes and start families of their own you will wonder the same question. But I think that is part of the beauty of parenting. You will always have a shifting relationship, always be redefining your role, and it will always keep you engaged and in love.

Alice said...

I hear 'ya!!! My son just went back to college after a long winter break, and it was just like reliving the first day he went all over again. Not long ago he was an onery little guy, then learning how to back a trailer into a tight spot, and now off to college and thinking about a career. I've only got one left at home, and I'm hanging on to her tightly.

Unknown said...

It's the hardest thing in the world to wave your child off into the world smiling when most of you just wants to hug them to you and say don't ever leave!
But yes, we adapt and watch them spread their wings and (hopefully) fly.

KayzKreationz said...

Isn't that so true? Mine are 28 and 24 now. And although the youngest comes back every so often to spend a week or so, it's just not the same. And no matter how old they get, they're still your babies and you still miss them around the house and all the noise/fun, etc.

Mary Harding said...

I am so touched. I know how you feel.

Heather Powers said...

Ah and you've done such a fine job of raising a great person. Now it's time for you to enjoy what comes next, whatever that may be.

TesoriTrovati said...

So poignant Cindy! Your baby is all grown up! Embrace this new chapter in both your lives.
Enjoy the day.
Erin

Deborah Lambson said...

Cindy..so beautifully written~ I was just saying this to someone..those days were never-ending. We thought we'd never have our 'freedom' and now we're sometimes not sure what to do with it! lol Enjoy it!

~Deborah

mairedodd said...

the greatest joys and deepest sorrows are felt as a result of our children... i am sorry it is a transitionally sad moment... but do know, that they always need you... the needs just change, as they have been since birth... you are right... they are with us constantly and then feel gone... thinking of you...

Cindy Gimbrone said...

Thank you all for commenting! It's a big transition. We all hear about it but when it happens to you, it's an unexpected ton of bricks! It's gonna take me a little while to dig out from under neath the bricks - thanks for your kind words of support :-)

Hugs to all,
Cindy

Gardanne said...

Natalie is our only, she is 16 and I will have to go cold turkey in a couple years. Doing beads has been prep for starting to find myself beyond the Mom role. I keep reminding myself that raising an independent human being is the goal, but it still feels like I have been downsized.

I LOVE color! said...

And then one day you will start remembering all the wonderful times when they were growing up. or remembering the little dresses, or patched jeans with smiley faces. I have always been so excited when my children were facing new chsllenges. They are 50+ now. They are both wonderful citizens. We are blessed, You be blessed also.

Unknown said...

Hi Cindy,
I can so relate to your post. Mine are now grown and my only grandson is almost a year old. The cycle begins again.
I saw your spotlight on Art Bead Scene. I'm a new follower...enjoying your blog!
Julz