The Past and The Future Come Together in The Present

I awake to the sweet smell of my baby “big boy” tightly embracing me in a bear hug and an excited 11 year old anticipating what this day’s activities will entail…

Temper tantrums, new discoveries, emerging vocabulary, and lots of cuddles from my cuddle boy…

Shuttles to and from practices, a schedule full of games, late nights completing homework, Chiropractor appointments, a lively house full of friends, a father/daughter relationship redefined to as Paityn enters her last year in elementary school…

These events define my days.

Each child’s character is unique and their needs all distinct; a full spectrum of emotions, phases, freedoms and nurturing - determined by their respective age, gender and personalities.

I am incredibly blessed to encounter this diverse spectrum of events each day.

I am privileged to see the past and the future come together in the present.

I am reminded each day that Maddux will grow out of his temper tantrums and will all too soon be passing up the cuddles and loves for other entertainment as Paityn and I discuss where to go shopping.

I am presently watching my oldest daughter grow into a young woman yet I am constantly reminiscing about my firstborn as a babe as I watch my youngest babe toddle through life.

Maddux’s confidence and attitude will serve him well in life but have me terrified of what his teenage years may bring – but I am comforted because Paityn is patient with her novice mother as I discover what it’s like to be on the other side of the parent/soon to be teenager relationship - so I hope to hone my teenage parenting skills and glean practical tactics that will be applicable with my son who is in a league all his own.

I convene in the full circle of parenting head on each day... from babies to children and even soon to be teenagers. And with each child, each day, I am brought back to their younger years where innocence prevailed and their arrival was surreal; and as I look ahead to what their future may hold and wonder what their dreams may entail, I am continually reminded of the circle of life and prompted to enjoy the present - for all too soon I will find my self with an empty nest.