Our Senior Moments…….

 

 

My sons are eighteen years and four months and yet they are seniors.  They are this old because we decided to “hold them back” when they were in pre-school hoping that would give them the chance to grow and mature and be ready for high school and college when it came.  You make decisions as young parents which will forever impact your children’s lives not knowing for sure if you are making good decisions which is why you learn quickly to pray… 

And so, we did. Pray. 

As a result of this holding, my sons entered their senior year already eighteen and adults.  Which means they can tackle as an adult anything which comes their way including signing their own paperwork for school, something we parents especially look forward to each year….Not! 

Each year on the first day of school, my three children bring home papers for personal information, insurance information, contact, school calendars, etc.  for me to sign. 

It dawned on me that this year, my signature was no longer required. 

I am no longer needed. 

My babies are adults in the eyes of the law. 

They can sign themselves. 

So, I didn’t ask them after that first day of school “where are all your papers I need to sign?” like I have in year’s past.

And, I confess….it was a bittersweet moment for this Mama…… 

So, it was pretty precious to me when Johnson came to me after having filled out all of his paperwork and said, “Mama, I know I am old enough to sign these for myself, but would you please sign them too?  You are still my Mama and I know you wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity….” 

And then he smiled a big….Mama-knowing smile which melted my heart.  He got it…..He understood.  He knows we are winding down the times where he will need me for these little things and he knows that not only is he on a journey, but I am on one with him. 

I appreciate that. 

Later, Kenton came in to my office and handed his papers likewise filled out all except my signature….

And he said, “Mama, would you like to sign for me this one last time?”

It is a sweet day when your son’s take the time to understand your Mother’s heart….it makes you realize they are moving from the “it’s all about me stage” to the “it’s okay for it to be about someone else besides me stage.”

I signed the volumes of papers….my last time to do so and Kenton walked over to me and had me stand up for a hug…”see Mama, that wasn’t so bad.  We will always be your boys, you will always be our Mama.”

A Senior-Mama Moment I will treasure. 

…..may I not miss a single one

I see the word for today….it’s red

 

My heart goes immediately to the cross…..where red and white and black and blue are all blended together in forgiveness.  Where a mother’s tears and a son’s words, where a friend’s shouts and a people’s sin stand out in stark contrast against the white of Christ. 

I walk around my home seeking red…and, I find it….

 

 

 

Red is written on the calendar of our family’s activities…the special ones imbued with this crimson hue.

Red is primary on the comforter of my son’s bed. 

Red is in the many pictures hung round our home to remind us of our love for one another…red leaves in fall with children playing, red shirts are worn on children skiing, red lips are spread open in wide family smiles, all for the pleasure of our home’s citizens. 

Red apples lie in the bowl my grandmother once used to knead her bread, a bowl likely pushing toward 100 years old still strong and alive, crafted well. 

Red is the handle of the lighter we so often use to light candles because we love romance. 

And, then I see it…..the greatest red a mother can witness….a sweet reminder of the greatest of all of the reds….

Love….

Written by her little child many, many years ago in childish pen in simple lettering, a sweet, sweet sharing from child to Mama…. 

Their heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Only Your Mama Can......

You were very young when you first told me you wanted to be baptized....such a young girl, such a big step.

We asked you to wait.....and, you did...

I'm not sure now if that was right...to ask you to wait "until you were older" for I realize that you knew the truths that God asks us to know...

Finally, you told me, "Mama, I am ready...really, I don't want to wait any longer."

Upon the suggestion of your youth minister, I had you write a letter....about why you wanted to be baptized....

And, I found that letter today while going through a treasure box of yours....

Precious are your words.....and, sweet is it that you were baptized in the gown I wore when you were a baby.  My mama bought it for me to rock and sing and love on you. 

And, when that wonderful day arrived....you KNEW...you claimed the truths God seeks to hear from all of his children.....and, it changed us all.......

ILYAOYMC,
But....God loves you more....

Mama