The last twelve years flashed in front of my eyes Wednesday.
Nearly-forgotten memories resurfaced from way back… from way back in time, and from way back within my memory.
–The chubby cheek, nearly bald days.
–The diaper bag, bottles, and car seat days.
–The blonde-haired, long-lashes days.
–His first day of Kindergarten.
–Singing while playing with his Legos and Hot Wheels days.
–His first soccer game when he was five.
–The long-haired middle school years.
–His first middle school football game.
–The day he drove off in the driver’s seat alone.
–His first academic award. His first varsity soccer game.
–His eye injury a few months ago.
As I stood back, eyes filled with tears of joy and humbling reality, watching our youngest during his Senior photo shoot, these memories and many more melted this heart of mine.
If I had a way to freeze time, I would have done it right then. If I could have rewound, I would have done that too.
“How did we get here? How did twelve years go by so quickly? How??”
Time has a way of sneaking past us, doesn’t it? We get so wrapped up in life, we sometimes don’t realize how fast it’s speeding by.
I wouldn’t have missed this for anything. I soaked it all in.
Zach did too. He was so natural in front of the camera. This might have been some of the best four hours of his life. He’ll always remember how special and important our photographer made him feel. I’ll always remember it too.
It’ll be difficult to choose from the 637 photos!
His last year of high school begins this week. Tears again come as I’m filled with all sorts of emotions.
Mamas, I don’t need to tell you this, but I will anyway. Cherish every moment with your children. Every. Single. One. Don’t miss a thing. Take lots of photos. Record precious moments (that’s why I originally began this blog). Hug those babies as much as you can. They grow up way too fast.
I couldn’t be more proud of this young man whom I call my son. I am humbly grateful to be his mom, and I look forward to celebrating every moment of his Senior year with him.
Thanks for journeying with me!
Julie
What a handsome boy you have. Yes, cherish every moment for they go by so quickly. Watch out, this next chapter is equally as lovely. I love being a mom to adult children. Such joy!! Blessings.. xoxo
Thank you, Beth. I think he’s handsome too. 🙂 Yes, I love being a mom to our adult daughter, and I imagine I’ll enjoy the same with our son. So glad we have this in common! Thank you for sharing here!
Oh you captured my feelings exactly. My senior son had his photo shoot 2 weeks ago and we got the proofs in the mail yesterday. Trying to cherish and treasure this coming year in my heart, because my brain is saying dread.
I’m with you, Kim! So glad we have this connection. I’d love to see your son’s photos! Yes, I pray I can cherish and treasure this coming year. Bittersweet. Praying for you, friend!
Been right here with you this week. We’re saying goodbye to our son–moving half a country away for law school for next three years. He’s been away and back home a few times now. But somehow this feels more permanent. It’s hard to look back and–well, bittersweet, really–and remember all the good times, the times I was too busy to just enjoy him, and realizing the opportunities to spend time with him will be much fewer now. But what wonderful memories. So thankful for memories! Thanks for sharing this tender moment in your life, Julie!
Yes, Sabra. So thankful for memories! I will be lifting you all in prayer as you walk through this time of transition, and as your son settles in on his next part of his journey. God is faithful… we can rely on that truth! Thank you for sharing you understand where I’m coming from this week! Hugs to you, friend!
Hi Julie, my oldest starts his last year of high school too! I’m asking myself, “How do I want to invest in him? What do I still need to teach/show him? How can I listen to him?”
I’m with you, Betsy! We’ll be walking through this together! Looking forward to a great year!