My only daughter has just turned 18 and on the eve of her birthday, I found myself all of a sudden feeling very old. Granted I still have my Winnie the Pooh Pyjamas, love a kinder surprise and need my wonderful mum as much as the next girl, but on the eve of her birthday, I found myself feeling a little lost and shedding a tear.
How on earth can I be old enough to have 2 children over the magic 18, when at times I still feel like an 18-year-old myself daunted by the world around me and frightened to grow up?
Traditionally my husband and I were going through old photos to find the hugely embarrassing ones that you get out on these occasions, (not shared yet! waiting for her party, shhh don’t tell her) Where on earth has that time gone? Seriously 18 years ago seems like it could only have been yesterday, I remember being 18, ok it was last century but really!?!
Why does time have to go so fast, those baby days (for all of them) seem so long ago, how come they are all now spreading their wings, finding their own way in life and I’m having to let go…From the eldest who we packed off to University last week to the youngest who doesn’t need me to do anything for him anymore, (granted he sometimes puts his clothes on back to front and wears the oddest combinations but hey he can be quirky I can live with that!) Something my sister says she is very proud of me about, really, I think it’s got nothing to do with how far I have matured, rather more to do with how by the 5th child he seriously can wear what he wants!
The hubby says I should look on the bright side, they are all growing up so fast soon they will all be off our hands and out in the world living their own lives…………. oh, help! Then it will just be me and him!
Kids slow down don’t grow so fast, let me be Mumma, let me be needed, just a little longer.