Where Did the Years Go?

Celebrating my mom's birthday on a cruise

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

Maybe one of these years, you'll be close by and we can celebrate together. 

Wish you were here, so I could give you a hug.

This Mother's Day, today, our son graduates from UNC. 

Yay, Scott!!

Our son in Barcelona, his back-packing through Europe trip

College graduation is bittersweet, isn't it? 

As a parent, you dream about your child going off to college for four years.

That day comes, and you shed a few tears as you unload their belongings into 

a living space the size of a large walk-in closet.

You cheer for their football and basketball teams, you slave and save to pay for tuition, 

you endure their infrequent trips home without grumbling. 

You listen to them groan about how many papers come due at the same time and wince when they pull an all-nighter.

Because you know...deep in your heart, you know...

that graduation day will roll around.

That day when your child steps on to the stage, and their life really begins.

They stand proud and tall, ready and willing to make a difference in the world, 

ready to forge their own path, 

to build a life with a family of their own.

The day when you realize they're not a child anymore.

Where did the years go?

Happy Mother's Day

to all moms and to all those who fill the role of mother. 

May your special day be filled with love and laughter.