In some ways my parenting journey ended on Saturday. Why?
Our oldest son graduated from college.
I used to think the women who stopped me in the grocery store to tell me to “Enjoy it while it lasts, because it goes by quickly” were nuts. Back in the days when my kids were babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, I thought the endless questions, diaper changes and temper tantrums would never end.
But it does. And it did.
And I have to brag just a bit here. I am very, very proud of the man my son has become.
Watching him walk into the stadium crowded with family and friends of excited graduates made me think of the night he turned five. After tucking him into bed, I rubbed his back until he fell asleep.
And then I cried.
Turning five was a passage of sorts. No longer a pre-schooler, he was ready for “big school”.
But on Saturday my son graduated from the ultimate “big school” – a university. I was ready with Kleenex and extra mascara but as it turned out, I didn’t really need it.
Because I am excited for him.
The end of one journey means the beginning of another. And he is oh, so ready.
And since he is, I am.
That, and the fact that in two days he’ll come home for the summer….
So today I went grocery shopping to stock up on loads and loads and loads of food in preparation for his home coming. As I wheeled my cart down the aisles I noticed moms juggling two and three kids – wishing they were shopping alone, I am sure. I bit my tongue long enough to resist the urge to say “Enjoy this time”.
But I hope they do.
I know I did. And now I am glad.
Because eventually it ends.
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. “
Dr. Suess
