"Reflections of the Way Life Used to Be"

If you can name the song that the verse above is from you win!  An “at a boy” or “at a girl”!

I’ve been spending time lately reflecting on my days of parenting and the fact that I’m turning 45 this summer.  Yes, I said it, 45!

You see, my youngest daughter, D2, is graduating from the University of Florida, School of Business this Saturday.    She follows in the footsteps of her sister D1, who graduated 2 years ago.  I am uber proud of them both.  They excelled in their studies.

D1 and D2 both had/have a job before leaving college.  In today’s economy, and the recent news report of a 50% unemployment rate for new graduates, it’s a testament to their hard work and diligence.  My girls are no slouches.  The Moose and I taught them well.  They earned their academic scholarships while in high school.  Worked part time jobs while in college.  They both received internships that have catapulted them to their current employers.  We couldn’t be more proud. We’re blessed we could help them along the way.

While that part of our responsibility has come to an end.  I can’t help but reflect on the past.   I miss the drooling, toothless grins.  I miss waiting to see what outfit they’d decide to wear, horizontal stripes not included.  D2, spent the better part of her early years in a casual dress with two front pockets.  If they’re reading this, they know the exact one I am referring to.  I miss watching them swim at the pool.  I miss taking them to and from school, and hearing about their day.  It was either the best or worst day “of their whole lives”.  I miss the drama.  I miss the braces.  I miss sitting with them in the car with the radio turned up way too loud and all three of us singing at the top of our lungs!  I miss the dark ages (D2 wore a lot of black zippered clothing).  I miss picking out prom dresses and doing hair.  I miss giving driving lessons.  I miss working on school projects;   remember the volcano D1?  I miss the noise.    

Now that this chapter of life is behind me, I do look forward as well.  I look forward to D2’s graduation ceremony. I look forward to seeing how they grow and mature.  I look forward to planning weddings, and maybe someday seeing more drooling toothless grins.  Just not quite yet!   I still have to get over the fact that I turn 45 next month!