In a Blink of an Eye

I'm just feeling a little melancholy today.  The leaves are changing along with our life.  That's just how it feels.  I've quit working at the vision clinic after 12 years and starting working at the high school.   Dakoda is at college working on his Electrical Engineering degree.  Dylan is on his Mission (headed to Cordoba, Argentina as soon as his Visa arrives).  And Devin is a sophomore in high school.  I look back with such fond memories of raising these boys.  Even with broken windows, stitches and broken bones it was great fun.  They have turned into such great people and I am so proud of them. It's the next step in life.  I'm trying to accept and embrace it. BUT!!!

I couldn't take any of these changes without Dean.  His sweet shoulder to cry on and definitely our weekly jeep rides after church.  And when it gets unbearable a prayer for strength gives me the ultimate comfort.  I just feel like I want to soak up every chance I can get to be around them.  To cherish every little thing that happens.  What's that song???  I don't want to miss a thing.  Yeah.  That pretty much sums it up for me right now.

I remember back in the day when one of the kids would do something mischievous (yes, usually Dylan) and I would roll my eyes and get mad.  Someone would say "Enjoy him.  They grow up too fast." Boy were they right.  It was in a blink of an eye.  I swear.  One blink. And they were men.  I wish I would have truly realized how fast it does go by.  I don't really have regrets.  I've never missed anything that they were involved in.  I just wish it could have lasted longer.

Back then I always felt like it was my responsibility to make sure they succeeded in whatever they were doing.  Schoolwork, sports, clean clothes, happiness.  Everything.  I felt like there was so much to do.  Now I get to watch them succeed on their own.  I can't go on a mission with my son, it's up to him.  I can't check powerschool for Dakoda and remind him what needs done.  It's all on him.  Poor Devin is still at my mercy. LOL  But when they do succeed, which they are, I feel like doing a happy dance because they did it on their own.  No one held their hand.  They achieved success on their own.  What more could parents wish for their children?  I can't think of anything better.