I seem to be standing still while everyone and everything around me is moving forward. It happens periodically. I’m in the middle. I’m in the middle of my life now and things are happening all around me. I’m the designated “well done” girl, patting everyone else on the back and congratulating them for crossing over into territories yet uncharted. Friends get married and have babies. Kids that just yesterday were in kindergarten are now graduating. Parents retire.
My own daughter is moving out of elementary school and into middle school. She’ll be a 6th grader. In the 6th grade. Along with 7th and 8th graders. My head spins at the thought of that. I already want to get in a pre-punch-in-the-face to every boy that will be within a 10-mile radius of her just to let them know what’s up.
My son could probably already start his own computer software company. It would have a skate ramp built into his office space, of course. If the past 10 years are any indication, I’ll blink and he’ll be married with kids and have 5 careers going on at once.
We said “good-bye” to our precious dog, Sydney, a couple of weeks back. He was 14-years-old and the decision to “send him on” came when he bit Randy on the finger (just when you think you know someone). We will miss Sydney, but not because he was such a great dog, which he was. The best you could ask for. Certainly, in the end, he drove us all insane with his whining, and biting, and wetting all over the place.
But it just makes this year so far…changed. Sydney was part of our family. He’s always been there, nearly as long as Randy and I have been married. Rachel and Graham don’t know life without him. Now my daughter is moving on into a world that I remember pretty well, and if memory serves we’re in for an amazing, albeit chaotic and frenzied, ride. And to add to our ever-changing pet situation, the kids discovered our 3-year-old gerbil, Squeaky, paws up the other day.
Sometimes I just want to yell “Stop! Everybody just slow down.”
I need to catch my breath. Grab my camera. Play one more game of fetch. Kiss one more face. Impart one more piece of advice. Say “I sure do love you” for the millionth time. Have one more meal at the table.
Before everyone heads out the door.
3 comments:
Hey this is good!! It would make a great skit. :) I can't believe R is going to be in 6th grade. Make it STOP!!! It goes by way too fast. If we had only known when we were little, we would have slowed down and enjoyed all those family get togethers a little more. :) Even though I enjoyed them, I was always a little fearful of Viola. Terrible I know. :)
Seriousleeeee...I know what you mean. What a great post?! Stop world, stop!
Just yesterday, YOU were going out the door. Each stage is different, but good.
Mom
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