I never noticed it before today. I guess I had been so busy over the last several years that it slipped by me. But as I walked by the refrigerator just now, I remarked to myself how clean and tidy the outside of it looked. I thought, "Hmmm...that's strange." No pictures, report cards, and other artwork competing for space on it's front. Sometimes there would be so many that several would overlap, held by only a few pitiful magnets which would then slide down the front of the door due to the weight of the papers. But at some point during the not so recent past the daily, steady stream of our children's works of art slowed down to a small trickle. One by one, their drawings, achievements, and pictures came down without my noticing. But now, there are no more reinforcements - no more hand turkeys, pictures of "Mommy and Me," no more magnets made by little hands- nothing to replace those that came down.
Life just snuck up on me and "Bam!" my babies are just about grown. Wow! I never knew it would come so fast! Sure, we still have two at home, one of which is still in elementary school - but in a matter of months our youngest will be a teen and thinking he's "all that!" - already too big for Mommy to hold; too 'cool' to draw pictures of "Mommy and Me" anymore. No replacements. No one following behind him. It is a exciting new phase we are about to enter, but so sad to know there are no more little ones to follow. And though I don't miss the dirty diapers, bottles, and failed exercises in potty training, I do miss the two little boys and little girl who would run to our room and jump on our bed early on Saturday mornings. I miss their giggles, their blonde little curls, and their sweet tiny hugs. They have always been and will always be our joy.
Yes, the refrigerator is bare now. But not for long. I think I'll stick Michael's Science Fair award, Brittany's report card, and Mathew's College Grade Report on it for old times sake.
In His Love, Cathy
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