As I sat in a sweltering middle school cafeteria on a warm summer day, my son climbed into my lap. He wrapped his long arms around my neck and whispered, “Love you more, Mom.” In an instant, any irritation I felt disappeared.
He squirmed, unable to remain still, and pretended to be engrossed in the performance on stage. I leaned in and softly said “shhh.”
He took my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine, clearly aware of the size difference. Resting his head on my chest, I inhaled his familiar scent—a blend of shampoo and the sweat from a boy who had just been running around. I savored this moment, fully aware that our time together is fleeting, and I cherish every second of it.
I remember the days when his older brother sat here, similarly curled up on my lap, and now he towers over me. It feels surreal that just yesterday, he was the one seeking comfort in my embrace. Where has the time gone?
Now, that little boy is in the throes of adolescence, carving out his own identity, and I hope I’ve equipped him with the tools to face the challenges ahead. I want him to love himself, be confident, and find joy in life. Yet, I also wish to remain that safe haven for him, however long he may need it.
The truth is, the time we have with our children is never sufficient. Days may seem endless, but the years vanish in the blink of an eye. Before we know it, that little boy will be on stage somewhere, and I’ll find myself in the audience, fighting back tears of pride and nostalgia.
There will come a time when no one will be climbing into my lap, tracing the veins in my hand with tiny fingers. I realize that the gap between now and then is shorter than it appears. Our children, while in our care, are ultimately their own individuals, and we are here to nurture and prepare them for flight.
What they don’t tell new parents is that every day brings a little more distance. Each day, our children grow a bit more independent and self-sufficient, needing us a little less. This is the essence of parenting; if we do it right, they will need us less and less.
While we celebrate their growth, it comes at a cost. For every step they take toward independence, we must resist the urge to follow. Every milestone they achieve requires us to release them just a little more. Motherhood is often a bittersweet journey.
So, as I sit with my son, I am committed to cherishing these moments. I will hold onto his sweaty, squirming presence for as long as I can because one day, he will be grown, and I’ll be left with only memories.
This little boy isn’t truly mine; I simply have the privilege of caring for him for a time, and I intend to make the most of it.
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Summary
The article reflects on the fleeting nature of time spent with children, emphasizing the bittersweet experience of watching them grow more independent. It highlights the importance of cherishing every moment while acknowledging that children are ultimately their own individuals, placed in our care temporarily. This heartfelt piece serves as a reminder to savor the little moments before they grow up and away.
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