Couple of days ago I was at the grocery store with my daughter and her boyfriend. As usual, as soon as we came in they went their own way in search of the items they wanted to stuff my cart with. I turn the aisle and spot them in front of the baby food shelf checking out the different types. As I pass behind them I hear them reminisce about their baby food consumption days, which ones they liked and which ones they hated (as if they could remember in detail…can they really?). Time stopped still for a minute it seemed when I myself flashed back to those days, and then I couldn’t help but chuckle at the comparison of past and present images. It was funny, then bittersweet. After picking their favorite, now all on their own –banana– they catch up to me, stuff it in the cart, and go on to the next aisle for bigger and better things (but…is there anything better than banana baby food?).
These days it is refreshing to catch them in such a moment of simplicity, taking a break from checking out colleges and career options, filling out applications, talking all grown up, and feeling all stressed out. They stress about their present, we stress about their future. Let’s face it, it’s a tough world we live in. So these moments of simplicity give us parents a break as well, and seem to slow down time in the process, even if for a moment. Because time is relative they say, and I couldn’t agree more, but when it comes to our kids it seems this theory does not apply ’cause time just flies, no matter what. And let me tell you, I’m not ready. Am I the only parent out there who’s not ready? I can’t possibly be. I mean, as much as I look forward to them accomplishing their plans, wherever those may take them, and living out their lives, a part of me wants them in a time warp of sorts, standing there reminiscing about baby food. : )
“It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn’t.”
~ Barbara Kingsolver
Don’t feel bad; I wasn’t ready either but life goes forward. I guess the comparison to that is when we first buy a car or house, etc. and we think we are not going to be able to assume that large payment, etc. and eventually we handle it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I loved that article. His favorite baby food was mango!! I still buy it for him once in a while..
Not having had kids of my own, my best friend’s girls were “my” kids. And, yeah, how I’d love to travel back to when they were tiny and I’d take them to the movies, or have picnics in the middle of my living room, dress them up and play “model.” I always remember one December morning, my parents and I had gotten the Christmas tree late the night before. We left it standing in the middle of the living room waiting to be decorated. The girls came over, rushed in and stopped short when they saw the tree standing there. The look of wonder on their faces when they saw that tree was … just perfect. Time does fly by. Thank God we have sweet memories that allow us to, sort of, turn back the clock for a time.
Yes, I know, he told me when we got home that day. : )
I’m not ready and I already have one in college. It’s tough to see them grow up but necessary. I still buy their favorites every once in a while ( Vanilla Custard and bananas!)
yummm….vanilla custard….I used to eat from Danny’s, loved that one. LOL.
Nice observation on your part. Personally, I think “parenthood” NEVER stops. They may be older and allegedly wiser – – they may be full-time members of society, with husbands/wives, and children of their own, but believe me – – motherhood goes on and on and on forever. They will always be your children. What are we as adults anyway? We are really just an older version of our childhood and hopefully more mature. It doesn’t matter what age you are, there will always be a time when you need the advice, love and encouragement of your mother and/or your parents. It is a priceless and invaluable relationship that I believe even goes on after life stops here on earth.
JM
YOU are NOT alone, my friend! It is simply unbelievable how quickly this time for them to grow up arrived. I too wish that I could be there every step of the way, but realize that they will ONLY learn by making their very own mistakes and trying to figure them out. Key word: own. I think one of the hardest parts, at least for me, is stepping back when they’re messing up and literally holding myself back from stepping in to save the day. Of course, I do my best to subtly opine when I can, provide my suggestions, and end with, it’s YOUR decision. This is only my suggestion/opinion from my experience. You do what you think is best…and then I pray without stopping and leave it to God.
I loved bananas! My all time favorite was guava! What a surprise, hugh?
yum, guava, loved that one too! : )
Connie:
Of course I love your articles and always look forward to them, like I have said to you before, you are an extremely gifted writer! 🙂
I can’t comment about seeing our children grow into adults and how fast that may happen…I can comment though in the fact about baby food….to this day and at my age, I still buy and enjoy it, even the food not just the dessert.
Let me ask you girl, do you like the macaroni and cheese one?
TOTALLY love and agree with Joyce’s comment. And loving reading all the other comments … mango and guava baby food? They didn’t have THAT when I was little, darn it! No fair!
No. You are not the only one. As you know my kids range from 15 months to 16 years old. It’s hard!!
By the way, applesauce and mixed fruit baby food is also good. Oh, and banana/pineapple. Yummy! Thanks for giving me a 2 minute break and reminiscing myself on baby food. I needed that.
“…from 15 months to 16 years old.” Cindy, I know you of all people need a break! : )