Life on Warp Drive

I’ve been having a lot of “mommy moments” lately. It’s what I call those moments when my mind runs wild with sweet flashbacks of the kids as babies or toddlers and memories of first words, first steps, and first days of school. Awww…….annnd CUT!…….Suddently those thoughts come to a screeching halt as reality check rattles my brain: “WHERE THE HECK HAS TIME GONE?!” How is it that next month both my children will be in high school? One finishing it the other one starting it? Just yesterday they were tiny and full of innocence, oblivious to life except for noticing mom and dad constantly meeting their needs. Now they are busy individuals with places to go and people to meet, peer pressure to decipher, and plenty of expectations worn on their sleeves. Let me tell you, I feel like I’m on the FASTPASS line of life.

Sometimes I look at them in the rear view mirror and remember the two of them in their car seats, fussing to get out or simply passed out from the soothing effect of the pacifier. Now it’s the sound of texting I hear. When did that happen? Must’ve been somewhere between the doctor appointments, parent-teacher conferences, work, house chores, and bill-paying, I don’t know, because we get so bogged down sometimes that we blink and miss things. Just the other day while out of town, I awoke in our hotel room and glanced over at their bed and I sat there watching them sleep. I noticed how big they looked in that bed, and I thought back to so many similar moments, except I remembered two tiny figures, almost lost inside the sheets. I seem to be catching myself comparing their past and present more and more lately. When exactly did we stop tucking them in and they start coming to us to say goodnight? Why now more than ever I’m making sure I hug them and kiss them plenty, plenty, almost to the verge of annoyance. [Yes kids I admit that without apology. Because I feel you’re slipping through my fingers].

We all know that time is relative. How slow or fast it passes depends on our perception. But that life is in constant motion is for certain. Look, we are already more than half way into their summer vacation. The summer breaks I so love. No school, no homework, no projects, no set bedtime. Instead, UNO knights take over, friends invade our home, and travel mode kicks in. It’s the time of year we get to spend the most time together, and trust me, we milk that to the last drop. My husband and I certainly have cherished every stage and milestone in our children’s lives to date, and I don’t need to tell you that my flashforwards are wishful thinkings of college and marriage and grandchildren and good health. Not yet though. As impatient souls living in this fast-moving world, we want everything now. But when it comes to my kids, somebody, PUHLEEEZE disengage the warp speed!

Wishing all of you a wonderful summer break. Enjoy your loved ones!!

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about. ~Angela Schwindt

The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child.
~Joe Houldsworth