Tuesday, March 06, 2007

A Three Car Family

If you've read my blog enough, you know how I am about "landmark moments." We had another one in the family this past weekend. We bought our daughter her first car. Nothing special, just a "92 Mazda hatchback (so she can cart her canvases around) with close to a 100,000 miles on it. Can't believe my baby now has her own car.

A friend of mine told me the other night she went to a meeting at her son's school. When she walked in, a large banner spanned the wall, stating "You have 18 months left with your child." Now she's someone who's constantly say things like this, so I was a bit surprised to hear how strongly this impacted her.

But it's so true. Time is running out. My daughter will be 18 this year. The days of my influence on her life are running short. Being a mother has turned out to be one the greatest challenges of my life. And I'll tell you, a lot of days I feel like I just can't do it right. Thank goodness God is on my side.

He's done amazing things in my girls lives, and I know He'll continue to do so. It's just hard to let go, you know? Sometimes I wish I could just have them back as toddlers just for a day. Just one day...

Yet each day brings new challenge and excitement as I watch them grow, grasp for their own independence, and morph more and more into the young ladies God is calling them to be. I long for the past, but I look forward to the future. It's an interesting place to be.

4 comments:

Heather Diane Tipton said...

Neenie you have amazing girls, so trust me when I say you have done it right. I can't wait to see what God has in store for both of them. and you too for that matter!

Ronie Kendig said...

Wow, that's incredible. 18, huh? Whew. I'd say you did good, Mama! :-D I was floored yesterday when I overheard Ciara on the phone telling one of her friends she couldn't believe that next year (when she turns 15) she can get her learner's permit. Holy cow! Am I that old?? LOL

They grow up all too quickly, don't they?? SIGH.

Anonymous said...
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Unknown said...

Kinda makes it hit really close to home, huh? You know, the Turkish might be on to something....their girls live at home until they marry...then the daughter and her new husband build their house (floor) on top of her parents'. Hmmm...