(Updated from post of May 2014)
Awhile back, on a day when I was walking my dog Taz (I sure do miss that wonderful fella), I passed a mom and son waiting for the school bus. As we slowly trotted past, I overheard the boy, I’m guessing about nine years old, regaling all the fascinating intricacies of the silk worm. Mom listened intently as he displayed his prowess in all things silk-worm-esque. As he finished she smiled and said “I think you’ll do fine on your test today.” His little face beamed as he grinned back.
When you reach your perch in the middle-aged cheap seats, you are often asked: “What do you miss the most?”
For me, I miss moments like the one I witnessed that morning – I miss the little things.
My son Jimmy is now twenty-five years old, and I’ve loved all the moments, big and small, that I’ve experienced with him. Big moments are easy to remember: high school and college graduations, prom, getting his driver’s license.
It’s the small moments that sneak up on me – the one’s that slip into my thoughts when I least expect them. A magazine photo that reminds me of bath time. A map of the US reminding me how we memorized all the state capitols together. A few years ago I saw a pigeon on an office window sill and it had me recalling how Jimmy loved to run through the pigeons that would amass on the sidewalk outside of his daycare center. These are the times that I miss the most.
As Mother’s Day approaches, I’m wishing all the moms out there a million small moments worth remembering.
What are some of your fondest small moments?
Cheers,
Kimba
So very true. Playing in the backyard, reading to them at night, bath time, introducing them to snorkeling then diving….yes, the little moments add up.
another favorite….the weekly spelling list! I always enjoyed teaching them little tricks to remember the words. They are awesome spellers!
Spelling lists! Ah yes, I remember those well.
Those moments are golden nuggets. I’m blessed to be enjoying them now with my grandson!!
Jealous here – I’m in a bit of a holding pattern for grand children, so I live vicariously through others.
Oh so true. You have captured this well in words. I miss the moments rebounding basketballs, picking up kids from practice, and sharing bedtime stories. Love the photos of your Jimmy from cute kid to handsome graduate.
Aw, thanks, he is a handsome devil. I was a band mom and soccer mom and I too miss the practice carpooling – I found out some of the best tidbits by eavesdropping on those carpooling conversations!
Lol Cuz! You certainly put a smile on my face. A true Joyce you certainly are and that is why our children love us so. Love the picture. We call these blackmail pictures. But like Jimmy my Jack doesn’t mind us sharing. Last year found cute pics such as yours and blew them up and framed them to give to them for mothers day.For if not for our wonderful sons we would not be the woman we are today. Happy Mothers Day Cuz!
Hiya Cuz! I am sure you had a great Mom’s Day – with your boys and the grand kids.
What a great photo of your son. I may not have children of my own, but there are several who I’ve known from birth that I feel like are my own so I can relate to your nostalgic feelings. Happy Mother’s Day!
P.S. The funny thing is the note on my calendar for today says, ‘Did Kimba ever fit into that dress for Hubby’s retirement shindig?” Hum …
Ha! The retirement WAS this weekend – you have quite the reminder system there sista! Didn’t quite get into the dress I wanted to wear, but I looked presentable (I hope) and I’m continuing on my quest to live a healthier life. Thx for keeping me accountable.
Kim, When I went to Disney a couple weeks ago, my back was hurting and I wanted to see the parade. My 16 year old wanted to go on rides (of course!!) So I sat on the curb and I was surrounded by all these little kids. And I realized that I was at the vantage point that all the characters on the floats were waving at me!! I was thrilled. I don’t want to say I missed my daughter cause we did fireworks later, but its nice to step back and enjoy the thrill of a parade with little ones.
I hear you Laura, sometimes there’s a great moment in just stopping and being in the moment, right?
Love the picture of your son, that’s what gets me – the times when I find a picture of them when they were babies or toddlers and still very snuggly and huggy and I get so overwhelmed with the memory. Mine are 18 & 20 so I’m right in the midst of the prom and graduation stuff for my youngest and it’s very bittersweet ’cause I know it will be my last. Lovely post!
The warm sun on my skin on the baseball/softball field with my children. Milkshake night on Monday night. Whiffle ball in the front yard with all the neighborhood kids. Decorating the Christmas Tree. Looking at the pictures from the annual family vacation that they hated to pose for but couldn’t wait to see. Surprising them with movie night which meant a stop at KFC on the way to the drive-in. The little things are absolutely the best…
Dudley, I have no doubt you continue to makes memories, large and small, with all those who are lucky to be in your life. Try to keep Dad and Al honest at the next poker night! 🙂
Oh Claudia, I see many, many firsts still ahead of you. And I loved your “torn” post this week.