Landslide

I have been a Mom for a quarter of a century now, which hardly seems possible. Through the years, our children have gone from curious toddlers to ambitious adults. As they entered various stages of life, they were as prepared as I was proud. In the beginning, these stages brought about small milestones. However, as our children got older, they began achieving more significant milestones, which ultimately took them beyond the walls of our home. One by one, our children went out into the world, armed with little more than their own preparation and ambition, not to mention the constant love and support of their family. 

Despite the pride, and joy, I feel for each of the milestones our children have accomplished, a shift has taken place in our family over the last several years. While this shift is neither new nor exclusive, many find it difficult adjusting to their children moving out and moving on. 

I remember a heaviness in my heart, many years ago, as we said our goodbyes to our oldest son as he boarded the flight that would take him out into the world for his next milestone. As we drove home afterwards, in the quiet predawn hours, I heard the lyrics of a familiar song that encapsulated what I was feeling. 

 I've been 'fraid of changin'

'Cause I've built my life around you

But time makes you bolder

Even children get older

And I'm gettin' older, too

Since becoming a Mom, I haven’t been able to make it through the song, Landslide, without shedding a tear or two. This particular day was certainly no exception. However, as I wiped the tears from my cheeks, I recognized the wisdom in these words. 

Our children will get older and, if we’ve prepared them properly, they will eventually go out into the world. For those who have built their lives around raising their children, this change can cause us to feel a little afraid or, at the very least, uncertain of our role, moving forward.

Take courage. As these lyrics remind us, we are all getting older and perhaps even a little bolder. Rather than mourn the way things used to be when our children were young and at home, this shift can be an invitation for us to achieve a milestone of our own. 

This weekend our daughter will be graduating from college, with a degree in neuroscience. I’ve already shed a few tears in preparation for her big day. Over the past four years, she has worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone, juggling a heavy course load, as well as two part-time jobs. 

Beyond her college courses, she has masterfully navigated her way through some of life’s most challenging lessons, including a cancer scare, losing our home to a fire and the sudden death of her grandfather (my Dad), whom my children lovingly called Pickle.

Despite these major shifts to her life and our family, our daughter continued to push through every obstacle in order to achieve this goal. Her hard work and dedication is about to pay off. I couldn’t be prouder of

she has accomplished and who she has become.

She is prepared…and ready… to go out into the world.  

As she does so, the dynamics in our family will shift, yet again. 

Rather than mourn these changes, I will welcome them, as I proudly celebrate our daughter and her incredible achievement.