Love Every Moment

by Liz Johnston

This is probably going to come off as harsh..after all, I am home, I am sick, cranky, irritable and chronically saddened....but do me a favor? Could you please STOP complaining about your kids growing up? Please?

Okay, on the one hand, I get it. Change is hard. When your kids grow up--they need you less. Which is a loss- of sorts. I’ve been there. I’ve lamented the passage of time, the loss of the baby phase, shed tears over the first day of kindergarten--the going off to college. I’ve complained. I’ve posted.

I regret that now. Not my feelings--because all feelings are valid. But I regret saying things like “please stop growing!” or “I want my baby back.” I regret it for every mom or dad who has a child stuck at one age for all of eternity. I regret it for every mom or dad that has to celebrate the birthdays of others (the celebration of aging) and can’t do that with their own.

I regret it for my son. Whose life at every stage was precious. I regret it for us, his mom and dad who cannot watch him get passed 24. Ever.

You’ve heard the old adage “do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” Well I’d amend that. Love your child with all your might. Love every stage. Be grateful for time-- and its passage. Do not regret that your child is growing older. Be grateful your child is able to. The alternative is unspeakable.