When I first became a mother to my baby boy, I had a seasoned parent tell me, “You only get eighteen summers with your kids. After that, they’re off to chase their own dreams,” as she snapped her fingers and waved her hands in the air. I smiled and nodded, trying to empathize, but honestly, I was too busy marveling at the school supplies filling the aisles at Target to grasp the depth of her words.
Fast forward twelve years, and I’m now a mother of four. It quickly dawned on me that those eighteen summers aren’t even fully ours. Summer jobs, internships, camps, and mission trips start to take precedence, and suddenly, it’s our kids who are busier than we are. This year feels especially poignant as my eldest prepares to celebrate her thirteenth birthday—an official teenager!
So now, I find myself grappling with the end of summer. I technically have five more summers left with her, right? But five feels alarmingly small. I realize those days ahead won’t be filled with lazy beach afternoons or spontaneous library trips. Instead, I see her growing independence—she’s sleeping through the night, spending more time with friends, and asserting her own opinions. While I know this is a natural progression, I also find myself reluctant to let go of our cherished summer traditions. I still want to take her to the waterpark and explore the science museum together. I want her to revel in building forts with her siblings and enjoy the thrill of crafting.
Yet, parenting isn’t solely about my desires; it’s a journey of letting go. As school approaches, I feel a chapter closing that I’ve never been particularly good at navigating.
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In summary, while time races forward and our kids become more independent, it’s essential to cherish the moments we have and embrace the changes that come with each passing summer.
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