Six years ago today I became a mother for the second time. SIX YEARS?! How did that happen? Today it hit me – I don’t have babies anymore. I knew this, really, but still, for some reason I guess I hadn’t really processed it. It’s funny because I spent my early adulthood and marriage planning to "have a family" but I didn’t really think much past the baby part. I just saw myself as a mom with a baby. Maybe a toddler but not Big Kids. I guess it was because I would seem old then or it just seemed too far away.
But now here I am and it happened so fast. I found myself wondering today "so, what comes next?". I mean I obviously have a long way to go before I am an empty-nester but it got me thinking. With the baby thing long gone and the Big Kid thing in full swing I should be planning, right? But for what? Well, I started imagining myself traveling to all of these wonderful places I’d never been, sometimes with my hubby and sometimes with friends. I saw myself learning about far off cultures and cuisine and history. I imagined myself having time to focus on a more fit and relaxed me. This looked pretty sweet to me.
Then I imagined my home without my kids. I imagined my every day without them there. This was not so sweet. The good news is that it will be a while before I have to face this. And by the time I do I will be more ready. I will have plans and my kids will too.
So, now, after much thought, I can sit back and appreciate how time has slipped past barely noticed. And I know that it won’t be the last time.
We are U.S. citizens and have friends who have gone into a kind of pre retirement stage. He got a job working for the U.S. State Department. They spent 2 years in Asia and now 2 in Africa. They are hoping for Eastern Europe next. (Which may be their last posting before they actually retire.)
The State Department finds part time jobs for the spouses as well, and often arrange for internships for the couples children when they come for winter or summer breaks from university. (Looks great on the resumes!)
My hubby and I find this possible option very intriguing…
i find the idea of my kids growing up both exciting and terrifying!
happy birthday to your little BIG one!
I plan to invest in a cul-de-sac where my grown-up children and their families will be close-by at all times. Happy Birthday to your big girl!