I know this is ridiculously close to a cliche', but the older I get, the faster those seasons seem to pass. Children that were little kids what seems like yesterday are driving cars and discussing college plans.
The passing of time can't be held back.
I've been a single Dad for 5 years. Dylan and Clinton were both in grade school when we started this thing, next year they will both be in high school. Zoe was 2 years old. She will turn 8 in just a couple of months.
I wish there was a way to bottle up these years and keep them safe on a shelf, to be taken out and treasured from time to time. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to pull out these years later, when we have the time to sit and savor them? Instead, I rush from project to project, weekend to weekend, trying to squeeze out a bit of relaxation and enjoyment between dinners and laundry, and track practices.
I need to remember that life isn't about the destination, it's about the journey.
I took this picture of Zoe and Molly this weekend.
When I downloaded it, my mind immediately flashed back to a picture of these same two girls that was taken 5 years ago. I wasn't sure where it was, but I found it on a back up disk this morning. When I compared the two pictures, I wept.
It goes so fast.
Enjoy everyday dear readers. Savor the moment. I'm going to try and take my own advice.
17 comments:
Amazing, isn't it? My parents are going through something similar. Their youngest just graduated high school and is getting ready to head off to college. Time sure does fly--even for older siblings. :)
And you know, I feel the same! How odd. How mysterious. Awesome.
Jill Tink
What beauties.
My daughters will be in high school together this year. One year. And then Juice (the elder) will disappear into the vortex that is College.
::sigh::
Beautiful girls.
And it does go by so quickly.
I've been having these same thoughts.
On Sunday I watched my 10 year old playing on a swing set and it was almost comical to see her gangly long legs. And it was sad to think that in a few years she will be a teenager -- like her older sister -- and far too "old" for swing sets.
It IS such a shame that our lives are so busy that we barely register changes . . . until they are far gone.
The two pictures are a fascinating contrast.
OMG i do the same thing!
*blub*
and she is so beautiful!
It's amazing how kids turn out w/ great parents, huh?
i was their age (10) or so when my big sis turned me on to Carlin. I really want to say something about his passing. How he taught me to say cunt and not be embarrassed, words can't hurt you.
it seems like the passing of our last great "vietman-era pundit" has gone.
goodbye lenny, goodbye george... we carry the fight for you.
...kenny... i hope you will blog some about this.
love you, t
p.s. wink wink and a hidey ho to bee :)
Oh parenting is so bittersweet. I look a photos of my daughter from one year ago and see such a difference, that would be from age 12 to 13.
One thing moving to another country has really helped me with is slowing down and taking time to smell the roses, literally. Also, having a camera and giving myself permission to stop for photos (and admire the views) has helped too.
great post.
only seeing teh nieces and nephew once or twice a year it hits home for me
I swear I was just watching their Mom's change their diapers!
Anne - I don't even want to think about an empty nest yet.
Tink - Nice to see you here, how was the Hill Country retreat?
gine - thank you, and enjoy your's while you can.
dcup - thanks, your's are very pretty too.
Bee - Yes, not only do they get too "old" for swing sets, they get too old to want to be around and share the fun with us old parents. They have to be coaxed to open up and participate in adult conversations. C is the perfect age right now, enjoy her.
ouy - amazing indeed
! :)
T - I'll get to Carlin when the fervor dies down. I have a story about him.
JAPRA - It is so fast it boggles the mind. When the spurt hits them, they change over night it seems. Last summer, when the boys went to visit their Mom for a little over two weeks, Clinton came home a completely different child. I swear he grew 3 inches in a couple of weeks. It was downright spooky.
Pido - Wait until the nieces are having kids of their own. Talk about feeling old!
Oh that transition from baby to little little girl to big little girl is so beautiful to see. Every once in a while I can look at son and see the man in the little boy and one day I will look and see the little boy in the man. For now, my baby girl is still my baby.
Our godsons are like this too. One, who I'd swear was born last week, turns 9 this weekend. And his brother(who was just 6 last month!) turns 17 next month.
What advice do you have to those who are deadly afraid of having children altogether!
I have an award for you on my blog to pick up. Hope you have a nice weekend. Lake? Boating? Fun? I hope so.
I can totally relate. Just a few days ago, I had a baby and a kindergartener, then they were both driving; now they are married. They have come to visit me in Alaska, and I'm looking at my six month old granddaughter right now. I'm sure she'll be President next week! Vikki
You're so right. I celebrate each new stage of my son's life, but I also mourn the passing of each. I know we'll never experience it again, and time does go by too fast!
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