It Goes By Fast

Man ol man how many times have you heard the statement “It goes by fast”, “Enjoy the time you have” and “they are only yours for 18 years”.

As my children grew up, many family members, friends, and people I didn’t even know, would say these quotes to me. I would always shake my head and say “yeah”. While thinking I’m tired, they’re tired. I’m overthinking, they’re not thinking. They’re my best friend and they have their own friends. Me and my husband were doing the best we knew how to.

We raised our kids in a loving home. And no matter what we provided for their needs, maybe not all their wants. But every need was met. We made sure each year we took a family vacation. I always felt adventures would be sketched in their memory. And I always wanted them to remember that no matter what mama and daddy took the time to love on them.

I guess all those quotes during their childhood was to prepare me for the teenage years. The young adult years. The time they don’t need me. The moments you miss with their friends. Their own adventures. The quietness. The cleanness. The stillness. The question, what are we going to do today? My heart was not ready. My mind was not ready.

I made my children my world. Now, I have to learn how to live in a world where they learn about life experiences. I remind them daily I am a phone call away. I will gladly was your clothes, scrub your ball pants, be by your side while you are sick, and hug you tight when the world is overwhelming.

When you hear these quotes from family, friends, or even strangers, take them in. Enjoy each moment. Life goes by so fast. And one day you have to release your world into the world. You got this mama! You got this dad! We prepared them for this release!