Today is the first day of a new year, not on the calendar
but in the mind of the school. A new year, a fresh page to see what God has in
store for my small humans, what curiosities the children will have, subjects
they will love, extracurricular activities they will want to pursue and how we
will grow even tighter as a family.
While each year I feel like the kids get bigger and time
with them slips faster away, I also feel like the relationship I have with them
has grown stronger. Their sweet kisses, hugs, and saying the precious words “I
Love You” have always been special, but now they say and do these things
because they want to – not because it is simply modeled behavior. I see how
they care for their siblings as they share excitement over the others preparing
for their first day of school. I see it when after a long day of school visits,
haircuts, and the final rush for new shoes Hannah and Charlie wrap their arms
around me in the middle of a store – yes, in public where anyone could see them
– and tell me they’ve heard hugs are the best medicine. I see it when they all
pack their lunch, set their alarms, bathe without being ask – they get it. We
are a family, and to succeed in this mission we need each other to play our
part. As we start another new year I realize that the kids are now starting to
get it.
We will still have days where it’s every man for himself,
every instruction from parent to child feels like you’re playing King of the
Hill, when riding in the back of the van is worse than being tortured or even
better not honoring super seat savers on the living room sofa. But, for every
one of those moments there will be a son who showers without being ask, a
little who holds my hand as we stop at lights on the way to school – looks at
me with clothes quickly thrown on & no makeup and says, “You’re so pretty,
Mommy.”, a sister who looks up to her older brother with anticipation as he
enters high school so it won’t be so scary for her in a couple years.
My favorite story is from this morning, while Lilly was
getting ready beside me she says, “I just realized that we’ll only have Charlie
with us for four more years. I’m going to miss not having him to throw the
football and Frisbee with when he’s gone.” It was precious. My reply, “Then you
know what that means? You should take every opportunity you have to play with
him from now on. Anytime he asks to play catch you should do it.” She walked
right out to the living room and told him she’d play catch anytime he wants.
While the structured part of me that was trying to get everyone out the door on
time was panicked that they might walk out right then (we were moments away
from needing to leave for school) and start playing catch, I quickly realized
that wasn’t either of their intention. Sometimes it is just nice to know that
you are loved, and to be told that in your own language is priceless. That is,
until someone takes your favorite spot in the van and then all bets are off!
Proud of my girl for loving her brother, and wanting to
connect with him, for understanding at the little age of 10 that these moments
are priceless and we should cherish them all. Proud that this afternoon as
excited as each of the children will be to tell me about their day they will be
just as excited to hear about how it went for their siblings. Proud that while
I feel old having a 5th year, one in middle school, and one who is
as tall as me starting high school today – Kelley and I have made it this far
without completely screwing them up, and we still get to have them around to
embarrass for a few more years. These are the moments we cherish.
Happy new year, everyone!! Make it a good one!
