June: A Month of Milestones

<a href=”http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14054529/?claim=knhmmvb5n2b”>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>June of this year is packed with moments that remind me how fleeting this whole early parenting thing really is.  Last week, my middle child was Confirmed, which means that she no longer has to take part in the program that I run.  I will genuinely miss her being a pain in the neck every time I have to work.  But she is done and free to go as I have fulfilled the promise I made at her baptism, the rest is up to her.  I can only hope she follows her sisters lead because it is good for her.  But, she is now viewed as an adult in the church and we cannot tell adults what they have to do.  Although, there is a standing rule that if you are in the house you go to church with us.  This is what we do as a family and I hope that the connection with the community and the larger message of our Faith will guide them as they go through life.

Today, my youngest turns 12.  It may not seem much but that means she can no longer take children’s medicines.  This was the single biggest shock to me when my oldest turned twelve.  It is interesting what actually brings the passage of time home.  Thanks be to God, medicine has not been a big part of our world, but it is daunting nonetheless.  I am a “pharmaphobe.”

But that is just a part of it.  As I clean out my house it becomes even more clear that these days are precious and few where all of my chicks will be in the nest.  It is what I have set out to do all of those years ago when I wanted to hold them closer and closer, I constantly reminded myself that they are not really mine like the Beleek casserole dish I covet, they are just mine to enjoy or to help guide.  So the twelve year old will be with me, that is true, but she heads to middle school and we all know what happens then.  It is good stuff (or at least I hope!) but it is busy and independent. Somehow, I was able to keep the balance with the other two and I hope to with her too.

Next milestone: My eldest graduates.  Sigh.

I know I am not alone.  So please share your story!  It is okay to feel that it is all bittersweet, because it is.