Raising Adults
I’m not raising children, but really, adults. Some days I get so bogged down with correcting table manners and making sure teeth are brushed that I forget the big picture. The details of the day, the weight of one parent/teacher conference or the lie told about how many Reese’s Cups were eaten, overshadow goal. I’m raising adults.
When I hung Graham’s small swim trunks in front of John’s adult version, the scope of my job hit me like the force of the waves that knocked me off my feet last week in Florida. Graham will be a man one day, with facial hair and active sweat glands. Yikes.
“Did you get pummeled?” I’d ask each child as they bobbed to the surface after another set of tropical-storm induced waves last week. When I think of each of my children as adults, it pummels my heart. Young children shelter us from the gruesome realities of adulthood. We don’t have to think about our children’s paychecks and credit reports and car repairs. Right now science tests and running out of diapers are enough to worry about.
Will JP grow a mustache? Will Paige have easy pregnancies? Will Graham’s sparkling blue eyes need lasik surgery? And Merritt always presents huge questions. Will she even be an adult?
Ahh, and that’s where I stop.
Merritt’s sweet little life made me stop questioning the future. My kids will be adults – one day. But I don’t have to go there yet. Yes, I know that some people pray for their children’s future spouses and map courses for college entrance, but Merritt stopped me at today. Each day holds enough promise to fill all the minutes, like a cup, whose lip is brimming, not quite overflowing. Today should be full on its own, not relying on projections and wishes and visions. A few daydreams and prayers and financial planning are important, but I’m not going to adult yet.
Housekeeping….did you sign up for the updates? If you sign up on the side you’ll get an email when I post…then you don’t have to keep checking back!
10 Responses to “Raising Adults”
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November 14th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Ahhh…so true. Adulthood comes all to quickly. It’s good to enjoy today.
November 15th, 2007 at 12:13 am
Yes, it’s shocking to see an almost-adult standing in front of you. Hey, where did my little kid go?
November 15th, 2007 at 11:12 am
How I wish time would stand still! My oldest just turned 6 yesterday and it seems as if only yesterday I was holding her in the hospital and yet “tomorrow” I’ll be sending her off into adulthood!
November 15th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
You can only truly enjoy tomorrow if you live for today.
BTW, I LOVE the name Merritt!
November 15th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
It’s funny the things that make one remember to enjoy today: a child whose future is uncertain, cancer making one’s own future uncertain, the loss of a loved one. The ability to enjoy today, just because, is a valuable skill. Thanks for reminding me again! Today, I will live in the moment!
November 15th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Thank you Kathy! This is something I struggle with constantly, not just with my son, but with myself and my life. “I can’t wait until we move, I can’t wait until we have a bigger house, I can’t wait until Dylan is walking, etc” And yet, I know that this day, this moment is all that is certain, and that I should just be enjoying it.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:17 am
Isn’t it amazing what our children can teach us? When our last was born our world suddenly was turned upside down. We’ve learned to right ourselves since, but our priorities have all changed.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
I am learning to slow down and enjoy every day. This time of year (surprisingly) is easier for me. I love the fall weather, and take the time to enjoy every minute of it. I have begun realizing how fast my six year old is growing, and my youngest is in full force behind her.
November 17th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
What a beautiful thought…. and something to reflect on most especially with the beginning of Advent right around the corner.
You receive so much clarity in your laundry room… it’s just amazing!
December 2nd, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Give miss Merritt a hug for me today. Bless her little heart and all the wonderful lessons wrapped up within it!