One of the biggest blessings a person can receive is becoming a parent, in my humble opinion. Whether you carry that baby yourself or adopt, the love a Mama feels for that baby is like no other. It's instantaneous, big big emotions and you become Mama Bear protecting her cubs overnight it seems.
Here's the kicker...everyone wants to give you advice on how to parent those babies, but NO ONE prepares you for when your babies grow up and leave the nests. There's no manual or book that is going to prepare you for the overwhelming assault of emotions you'll feel watching this unfold knowing Mama Bear can't be by their sides protecting her little cubs any more.
Mamas, I know your hearts may feel heavy right now watching your kiddos graduate high school and prepare for college, military life or where ever the road is taking them. I just want to remind you that YOU HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB. And yes...you've done enough over the years. I remember all too well the mix bag of emotions you're going through right now.
It seems like yesterday that my oldest son was graduating high school and a week later I was dropping him off with his Army recruiter to go to basic training. I was so overwhelmed and heartbroken for me, terrified for him, proud of him and for him and much more. The waves of emotion just kept coming and going, knocking me down and bringing me back up to the surface again and again. It was hard to let him go to follow his dream. I think he was a little nervous, too, because the hug he gave me lasted longer than any other hug we'd ever given each other before. It took everything I had in me to hold my composure until he drove out of site. I was an emotional basket case that day.
Parenting doesn't come with instructions and we are all learning as we go. Just remember, young adulthood is much like that, too. Graduation from high school is such a pivotal moment in a child's life. It signifies moving on from childhood to young adult. And yes, they all think they know everything at 18...no matter how much we Mamas try to preach to them. It's a right of passage and a time for growth, maturity and mistakes to be made that THEY have to figure out how to fix. This is when they realize Mama may have known more than they wanted to admit.
Just know, you're job as a parent will never be over. Your relationship, however, starts evolving into this really great friendship. I believe it's important that you understand that this fantastic transition is headed your way. I've raised two of my three sons and I enjoyed raising them. I love what we've grown into now that they are "adults" more!
I heard a song a few years back and the lyrics just hit and resonated with me. I don't remember the exact words but the musician said that as he got older he realized that he and his parents were traveling on the same road called life, his parents were just a few miles ahead in their journey. Our young adult children come to understand this journey and it allows for the bond between parent and child to bloom into a beautiful relationship built on trust, respect and a deeper love than before.
So Mamas, be proud of what you've accomplished in the past 18 years. You've reached a milestone, too. Soak up every minute of that child stage you have left but rest your heavy hearts in knowing that the next stage is just as sweet, if not sweeter than the one before. Your babies will always be your babies and they will always need you.
Well done, Mamas. You've earned some time to rest now.
Love,
Kelley
Bible Verses for Reflection & Encouragement:
Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with STRENGTH AND DIGNITY and she laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise and call her BLESSED.
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