I went to the Motor Vehicle Association yesterday with my daughter to get her learners permit and there were tears. Mine, not hers..
I was totally fine, enduring my mind-numbing wait on the metal bench with the oddest collection of people imaginable, quizzing her last-minute to make sure she got it all down. When we were called to the window and sat down, I turned and saw a baby in a stroller behind us. I said to Hannah, “That was just you. What happened?” Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had to look away to wipe my tears and find a way to swallow the rubber ball in my throat.
Sometimes it feels like I’ve been a parent forever and sometimes it feels like it’s only been an instant. Everyone warns me that once she gets her license, she’s gone for good. Got to admit, some days that fills me with joy but once in a while, like today, it makes me sad.
I remember when I got my license and yes, I was gone and never came back.
These moments always take me by surprise. God help me when something “cry appropriate” happens like her graduation or when we drive her to college.
I guess for now, I’ll enjoy the ride – white knuckled in this case.
2 comments… add one
Jen Dodd January 18, 2014, 9:28 am
Aaawwww! I am so with you on this. The older I get the more tender-hearted I become. There is no love like a Mother’s love. It is so powerful not even the strongest of us has total control over it. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and have one hour with my kids when they were babies.
I probably would haver asked if I could hold the baby that was in the stoller to help me pull it together AND embarrass my teen-aged daughter! 😉
GO BRONCOS!!!
Meg @ Soup Is Not A Finger Food January 27, 2014, 10:04 pm
Oh wow, been around that block once, with Seth, and Ross will be later this year. Where’d our babies go??! I vividly remember the excitement and pride of getting my permit and then my license. And you’re right – I never looked back. *sniff*