Same Story, Act 2

by Lori

My husband and I began to have children right out of college, we got married before our Senior year and I was pregnant right away. After we got over the initial shell shock reaction, we were excited that we will be “young, hip” parents. We bragged about how we will still be young when our kids are in high school, we won’t be “old foggies.” Most of all we bragged to ourselves we will be done with our child rearing days and will be able to enjoy being grandparents while still at a relatively young age.

All of the above is still true today. We are in our middle 30’s and have our oldest son entering high school. Many of our friends our age, have kids that are younger. I will only be just turning 40 when my oldest graduate’s high school and I could easily become a grandparent by the time I am in my late 40’s.

But right now I am not bragging so much. My youngest turns 10 on Monday and I want time to stop. All my kids will be in double digits. In the same summer my oldest will be entering high school and my middle child becomes an official teenager (13). My arms feel empty. Slowly each of my boys are become more independent and rely more on Dad than Mom. Don’t get me wrong, I know I am still very much needed, it is just different.

So I feel like I am entering Act 2 in my parenting journey. I look forward to the excitement of each of my boys first date, I look forward to the exciting times in youth group where they will learn more about God and begin to know Him as their own. I look forward to seeing what exciting things the Lord has in mind for each of their lives. I wait with anticipation to meet the girls my sons will marry, for each girl I have been praying for since the birth of my sons. I live for the day to be able to look the girl in the eyes and cup my hands on her face and tell her, “I have been praying over you all of my son’s life, welcome!”

But at the same time, I know I will have to let them become their own person. My days of constant “mothering” will be over before I know it. I begin now watching them go from entering teenage hood to becoming men. And if I am honest, some days that is just plain hard.

So this weekend I will spend enjoying my youngest son, cuddling with him on the couch and smothering him with “mommy love,” that is if he lets me. On Monday it will be the same story, just Act 2.

I also praise God Mom is arriving on Tuesday, I think I need the girltime.

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Tagged as: Family, growing

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  • Yes, girl - it is very hard to let them grow up. Like I mentioned - I had to stop scanning our son's baby photos, because it put me on the verge of depression. I am getting better - took me only 9 months to let go (yeah right!)....
    I am glad that your mom is coming out and you girls can hang out to enjoy some girl-time :)

    ((((hugs))))
  • I love this pic! That's one for a frame :) One things for sure... you definitely don't LOOK like you could have kids the ages you do! Now there's bragging rights right there :)
  • Oh, hugs for you Laurel!
  • We've had similar discussions here about how we will still be young when our children are grown and able to still do things.

    I remember last summer when my youngest turned 10 leaving us all in the double digits. You've got the right perspective. It's all the same story... just a different "act".

    Enjoy your weekend!! :-)
  • "We bragged about how we will still be young when our kids are in high school, we won’t be “old foggies.”

    Who you talkin' 'bout Willis? (Never mind. You're too young to understand that, right?)

    Bragger.

    Just kidding. See my post from yesterday; it will explain.

    I enjoy your blog. You're a great writer. Hope you realize I'm teasing here.
  • Holy cow, Beth! That's an eye-opener, for sure!

    I don't mind at all that we waited til I was 25 to have kids. I'll be in my early 40's when The Girl graduates from HS and mid 40's for The Boy. Still, I seem to be pretty young when I look at all my friends who waited until they were in their late 20's just to get married.

    Lord willing, you've got lots of life left in you for your grandparenting joys! And you'll be one youthful Grandma when your time comes!
  • Not to make light of your revelation but I just found out I'm pg again last week...at 40 years old! LOL Guess I'm at the other end of the spectrum, eh? LOL That means that I'll have 3 under 5 if Böna is born before Flicka turns 5. (I'm due the day before her birthday. LOL) I have plenty of "babies" to share - come get one of mine! *wink*
  • You know my mom was in your place, and then, when I was 18, she had another. Now my baby brother is only 6 years older than my oldest child.:) Just sayin'.:)

    I am not there yet so I don't know but it is weird seeing my baby brother, who was born when I was a senior in high school, driving. :)
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