The holiday season is almost over, which means another year has come and gone. As the holidays end and New Year’s Day approaches, this mother finds herself reflecting on all that has happened to her family this year.
With 2013 upon us, I recall my glorious memories of motherhood from this year, there were times I wanted to pull my hair out, times I laughed so hard my face hurt, and times I worried how I would ever face tomorrow. Leading your children into the future is just part of parenting. Tomorrow always came, and together we came out stronger with more laughter in our hearts than ever.
My three year old son learned to speak full sentences this year. I remember how proud he looked with every new word added to his vocabulary and the awful tantrums and frustration slowly working its way out as he communicates his needs SO much more articulately.
Our baby of the family turned one this year–and started the two T’s (well… they do say it creeps up early in some children).I find him to be my funniest of all my children. His personality and the confidence which he carries himself just makes me chuckle to myself.
My daughter who has just entered her teen seems to be taking everything in her stride, although there are days I feel completely at a loss as a mother.These are the days I hold very dearly to my prayers and my faith. I also try to remember my days as a teen, which reminds me to be patient and offer space.
Now the year is ending. I wonder what the next will bring. It will be another grand mixture of laughter and tears, messes and precious moments. Some days this year I heard so much screaming that I thought my brain would seep out of my ears. I am sure next year will bring more of those. So much awaits us.
Every mother knows the years go by too fast. I don’t remember giving my children permission to grow up, but they are doing it anyway. Tomorrow always comes, whether you want it to or not. Savor each moment of the present, because it will too soon be past. I don’t know what exactly the future holds, but we will face it together as we have always done. We will hold each other in times of sorrow, our bellies as we laugh, and each other’s hands when times get rough. We will come out stronger with even more laughter in our hearts.
That is my New Year’s Resolution: to survive, to thrive, and to keep laughter alive. That is my wish for my family–and for yours.
May the year 2013 bring with it boundless love, unwavering faith, overflowing happiness, priceless memories and the very best in all of us, Ameen.
You May Also Like:
