Just the other day, I helped my son pick out a lunchbox with smiling trains on it to take to his first day of preschool.
Just the other day, I watched him run up the steps to his first day of kindergarten, and I cried happy and sad tears.
Just the other day, at his request, I ordered a tuxedo for him to wear to fifth-grade graduation, and he sewed a loose button on by himself.
Just the other day, he boarded a bus to go to his first day of sixth grade, and I held my breath to think of all that middle school would be – not knowing a pandemic would be more disruptive than the drama I remember from my middle school days.
Now, he’s finishing eighth grade, and we are looking ahead to the start of high school. Even though his eighth-grade farewell will be a simple, virtual event he will attend in person while we will watch online, I know I’ll cry.
Graduations bring so many emotions. I’m overjoyed to be seeing our son taking this step. I’m beyond proud of the person he’s becoming. I am honored to be his mother. I’m grateful to be here to see him reach this point.
But there’s that little voice that is wondering why it can’t slow down just a little bit. Where did the years go? Just the other day, he was a toddler, happily shouting out “Cement mixer!” as we drove the beltway, reciting his ABCs, joyfully singing “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” and eating three bananas in one sitting.
Now, he’s skillfully practicing his trumpet, helping his father with the yardwork, putting his dishes in the sink without any reminder, making plans with his friends, telling me which movie he wants to see next, and talking casually about dropping Chinese to study German next year. Here we are. Next thing I know he’ll be driving, then looking at colleges, then telling me his plans beyond that. Then he’ll be up and off and away.
“Consider the shortness of time, the length of eternity and reflect how everything here below comes to an end and passes by,” St. Gerard Majella said. “Of what use is it to lean upon that which cannot give support?”
So, I lean on God – and on our Blessed Mother, who knows what it is like for time to go too quickly, to realize your child is growing up and away, to recognize that his purpose is far greater than simply to be your son. There is sadness that time passes so quickly, but there is also such a beauty and a gift in these extraordinary moments.
Just the other day, I first held this child in my arms – a beautiful boy with a whole story all his own, some parts written, and many parts yet to write. And what a blessing to be here to watch it all unfold – and be able to cheer him on.
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