Still to Come

Almost two weeks after the fact, I'm writing down some Mother's Day thoughts.
Yep, delinquent.
But let not my tardiness reflect any negativity of the day, though: it really was fantastic.

And, in a sticky-note for the heart, I reflected on just how lovely these passing years as a mommy are because, irrefutably, my babies are faster and faster becoming babies less and less. Still, there's such joy in my life as I relish the years of knowing there will be no more infants - only celebrating each new rite of passage, each great conversation that comes with the fruit of age.

I suppose "bittersweet" aptly describes the departure of the wee years in favor of their older counterparts. And, since we cannot stop the tick of the clock, what can we do but see the bliss in growing up? In looking ahead to great stories yet to be told?

That's what I ponder when I look at this shot:

Or this one.



Or even in the funny moments of this one.


(Well, it's real life, people.)

When the boys are taller than I and my girl becomes a bride; when degrees and mortgages become their normal and The Twilight Years become mine...will I look at these shots and feel then what I feel now? Will I remember how exceptional these moments are?

Will I forget that legacy started before me...

(thanks, Mom, for giving me Craig)

but doesn't end with me, either?

By far, mothering is the greatest privilege I'll have on this earth.
It's one I never imagined I'd pursue, let alone have in such abundance.

So, yeah, the years are passing quickly.
But the preciousness of my children's youths aren't contained in a number or a date.
They are emblazoned on their mother's heart...in carvings of memories spent treasuring gaps from missing teeth and holes in the knees of jeans. Of field trips and road trips, bunk beds and camp-outs. Of report cards and carpet picnics or tuck-ins and ticklings and the "Boos!" of chores.

These are some hard years. Some great years. But there's so much more to come.

I'm so thankful I'm their Mommy.
And I know the best is still to come.