This Time Is Short, Love Each Moment
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 8:57AM MAD21 By MAD21
My oldest graduated from kindergarten last night. It was an amazing program. The kids and their teachers had obviously worked very hard to put it together. This was the first time that I saw my daughter perform in front of people while looking like she actually enjoyed what she was doing, instead of being so nervous that she just kind of mouthed the words and barely went through the motions.
During the Headmaster's presentation, he spoke about the fact that turning six and graduating kindergarten is an important milestone. I, myself, have been pondering for the last few months on the importance of this time in my daughter's life. At first, I was struggling to figure out why some people make such a big deal out of this stage. Don't get me wrong, every minute I have with my kids is important to me. But I wondered why this specific time is celebrated.
The headmaster said, "This time marks one third of your time with your kids in this particular role as a parent." We celebrate this age, as well as 12 (sixth grade) and 18 (high school graduation), and then they are gradually more and more independent from us and our authority. When you put things in that perspective, I can now fully understand why this time is so very important. Gone are the days of teaching basic life-skills like eating, walking, talking and potty training. Gone are the days of being together all day (or even half of every day), and being able to go to the playground or library whenever we wanted. We are now in the phase of life where we will struggle to balance that fun with homework and after-school activities... and friends.
I am not looking forward to the phase where my children will desire to have more time with their friends, and will choose to be with them rather than to go do something fun together as a family. When their lives are busy with school, sports, friends and eventually work and a family of their own. I pray that God will be with us every step of the way in the coming years as we all grow up. I pray my children will make good choices in their lives and love God with all their hearts. I pray they will choose friends that I love as much as they do (so far so good on this one), and for myself and my husband to stay strong in our own relationship as our children slowly grow away from us.
For now, my hubby and I encourage our girls to enjoy things where they are (and I tell myself that every day as well!). When they talk about being excited to be seven, or ten, or grown up, we tell them, "Don't wish your life away, enjoy being six (or four)." We try to help them see the joy of being young. So far they have had awesome teachers at school, and great friends to play with. We know there are years of growing ahead, along with the pain that comes with it. But for now, we will swim in the joy of innocence. We will do our best to teach them how to make good choices, and live the best example we know how.
If you were in our house each night you would hear these words echoed down the hall, "I love you, Mommy... I love you more, baby. Every minute of every day." In the future, when our hallways are quiet, I will forever be able to hear these words in my heart.
Family, Family Life, Growing Up, Kids, Parenting in Parents
Reader Comments (3)
Awww, you made me happy and sad with that last thought. :)
Thanks Ginny.
Ginny, very well written. Some parts gave me chills, some smiles and some (almost ) tears. They do grow so quick it's scarey! We need to savor every moment even those that bring grief. Thanks.
We have this moment...
to hold in our hand and to touch...
as it slips through our fingers like sand...
Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come....
but we have this moment today. :)