Hey there! Let me share an experience that struck a chord with me as a doctor and a parent.
With the arrival of spring, we’ve been blessed with lovely weather this week. The bright sunshine and mild temperatures naturally beckoned us outdoors, so I decided to take my four teenagers to the local park. This outing was a stark contrast to our earlier family trips. My eldest, who just turned 20 (I still can’t wrap my head around that!), and my youngest, a perpetually dramatic 12-year-old, have graduated from the days of diaper bags and strollers. We could leave on a whim without worrying about packing snacks or toys.
However, once we arrived at the park, I felt a bit out of my element. In previous years, I was always on high alert, ensuring that my younger children didn’t hurt themselves or each other. I was constantly tending to their needs: lifting them up the slide, pushing them on swings, and keeping an eye on their antics. Now, I found myself sitting on a bench, feeling somewhat adrift.
It wasn’t always easy back then. I often envisioned our park outings as a chance to relax and enjoy nature, but they were usually filled with the stress of managing the kids. I still recall the embarrassment of my son shouting out loud, “I saw my baby brother come out of my mom’s butt! It was soooo gross!” The most frequent request I received was, “Hey, Mom! Watch this!” It felt like a constant plea for my attention, often accompanied by antics that were less than impressive.
As the oldest of four, my son was vying for my focus, especially when I was preoccupied with the chaos of younger siblings. His “watch this” moments typically ended with a silly hop or a goofy face that made me chuckle, even if I was often distracted. I’d dutifully respond, “I’m watching, buddy. Go ahead,” even when I wasn’t particularly impressed.
Fast forward to today—my eldest didn’t once ask me to “watch this” during our outing. I felt a sense of loss, unsure of my role as he prepares to leave for the Army in just 13 days. He sat beside me quietly, but I could sense his spirit whispering, “Hey, Mom, watch this,” as he prepares to spread his wings. What he’s about to embark on is monumental, and while it’s hard for me to watch him take this leap, it’s undeniably worth witnessing.
If you’re navigating similar experiences, you might find valuable insights in some of our other blog posts, such as this one about different ways to approach insemination here. For those interested in additional resources, this guide on artificial insemination kits is a great start, and you can learn more about the overall process at this excellent resource on in vitro fertilisation here.
In summary, as our children grow and transition into adulthood, we often find ourselves reflecting on our past experiences with them. Those moments at the park might have been filled with chaos, but they were also filled with laughter, connection, and growth. It’s important to cherish both the past and the future as we watch our kids soar.