Time Passages

So, my 'baby,' turned 15 today.  She is the youngest of six children, the third of three girls and to be honest, she was probably 15 years ago.  You know that saying, "13 going on 30,"?  Well, I have referenced her as my 42 year old child for years now.  She is an old soul, housed in a young body (and emotions, and perspective at times).

I recall my sweet mother telling me how fast the child rearing years would go.  I distinctly remember her advising me to let the dishes or other household chores go if there was an opportunity to read a book with my child in my arms.  Or a bug to inspect.  Or a flower to smell.  She told me, "Those things can wait:  they will always be there.  But the opportunity to be there… to make a memory, or cherish the moment wouldn't."

So, to date, the oldest of my 'short people' is 31 and celebrated her 7th wedding anniversary.  The next delightful child, my first born son is 27 and continues his intense training as a Marine Infantry Officer.  My third child, second son, is equally successful in his Marine career and protecting/defending our country as an Embassy Guard (and officer candidate).  My fourth child, second daughter is growing my first grand baby; a sweet girl named Emberly, due in less than two months (I can hardly contain myself!).  The fifth 'short' person, third son and stands at almost 6ft tall, is 16, beginning college this fall, working almost full time and is so smart and inquisitive (I can never answer all his questions correctly)…..  And then there is this sixth child----the fifteen year old who could pass for MY ancestor instead of my descendant (because of her old soul-ness).  How did I get so blessed?  How is it that I get to be the mother of such greatness, despite my inadequacies and failings??

I am so grateful I heeded my mother and her sage advice.  Cuddling a child under my arm, on my bed or on the couch…. or even in the yard on the grass---to read a book together, or poke at potato bugs, or watch a seedling sprout that we had planted two weeks before---SO worth the waiting dishes or laundry.  Because one moment missed turns into two.   Then before you know it, weeks then months, then years have gone by and all the unimportant crap is still unimportant, but the treasures….the sweet, intimate moments and memories are seared in our hearts to recall later.

As I write this, 21 years, 2 months and a fews days ago, my sweet mother went home to be with Jesus. But she left a legacy of love behind that has guided my parenting beyond any other .  And I am so glad of that.  Even though I have had missed opportunities with these incredible people I get to call my children, I also know that I decidedly let other junk go so I could sit (or lie) at eye level to watch an ant carry a piece of bread.  Or listen to the wind.  Or just sit and drink hot cocoa on a cold winter night (when the power went out-----at least once a year in Gig Harbor---remember, kids!!!???)

Happy Birthday, sweet Selah.  Happy turning 15 years old.  Thank you for being my child, my sixth child.  Thank you for continuing to be open to me, love me, talk to me, laugh with me….  I get a couple more years with you as you reside with me in this dwelling and I am going to love and appreciate every single day.  Happy Birthday sweet, surprising, inventive, crazy (Snow White---you'll know what that means), smart, funny, beautiful girl!  Thank you for blessing me as my daughter!  Thank you for everything you have been or done the last 15 years as well as the next 80 years!!  Happy Birthday!

Marmie