“Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.” –Albert Einstein
I am an only child. As a young girl, I was in awe of my friends who had siblings. I loved any excuse to go to their homes and watch them interact with one another. It was fascinating to me. It was a bond I knew nothing about. Growing up an only child made me realize one thing, all I really wanted was a family.
I am most proud of the family that my husband and I have created. I have loved every single minute of it. Good memories, funny memories, learning memories and even the hard, sad memories. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, ever!
We have been blessed with three amazing sons, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and one precious granddaughter. Growing up, our sons got along well. Fights were not something that was commonplace. I’m not saying it didn’t happen, just not often enough to remember. Sure, they would sometimes wrestle but most always in fun. They truly loved and respected each other. They are different, yet the same in so many ways. Collectively, they are extroverted/introverted, handsome (but I am partial), funny, talented, successful, loving, faithful, and they each have a heart for those less fortunate.
Over the last twenty-seven years, doing anything for my family literally gives me all the feels. It gives me life. I’ve loved raising them, watching their sports, encouraging their dreams, cooking for them, doing their laundry, creating memorable holidays, buying them something special, or just having good ole conversation with them.
So many times, I have heard people express their eagerness for their children to grow-up, graduate high school, go away to college, get jobs and move out of the house. All of those things are wonderful milestones but I could never understand the hurry. What about just enjoying them, and having them around no matter what the time frame?
In the grand scheme of things, if we are lucky, we have our children with us for the first 18 years of their lives. When you think about it, if we live to be 80, we have only had our children physically with us for such a short period of that time. I say, don’t wish it away. Don’t rush it. Embrace it! Every single year with your children is a gift.
I write all this, as our middle son is moving out today. It will be a hard but an exciting day. We will be together, as a family, helping him start his new chapter. Two of our three sons are now out of the house……and then there was one! Our youngest is still here finishing college and I will continue to make the most of every day I am given with him.
My family has been the biggest blessing of my life. All the moments have given me more love than can be measured. I hope you rejoice with your family. I hope you embrace them. Don’t rush your time together, it is but a fleeting moment.
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