Motherhood Lessons ... again

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Addison arrived December 13th and has extended her stay (insert giant smile) until January 18th!  Her being here, home, has been such an experience for me.  It's given me another perspective in which to see Motherhood.  Those who've walked this journey of parenting "adult" children know these feelings of which I speak.

As this woman talks to me of her life details: juggling school, work, relationships I stare at her.  I'm paying attention to the words, but in my heart I'm having my own conversations:

  • When did she grow up?
  • When did she stop looking like a girl and start looking like a ... woman?
  • When did she start carrying tissues in her purse ... like a real person?
  • Look at how she's being thrifty ... making the most of her hard-earned dollars!
  • She laughs different, yet still like that silly 5-year-old I used to know.
  • She carries herself different ... again, like a woman.
  • She's good with people ... I like that.
  • She's more mature with her sisters.
  • She learned that from me ... I like that, too.
  • She learned that from me ... bless her heart!
At the same time I'm interacting with an adult, I'm still parenting a teenager and a girl of 11 who need me on different levels.  This is a really weird ... yet wildly wonderful excercise of changing hats to fit the circumstances.

My one piece of advice for Mamma's who haven't crossed that invisible line in your role as Mamma that changes everything ... advice given to me just a few days ago in a recent conversation with Libby, my 11-year-old soul teacher. 

Me:  "Haven't we had such a great time with Addison?"
Libby:  "Mom!  It's not over.  Don't say 'had' say 'having'.  When we get to the airport, you can            
say 'had' but not now."
Lesson learned.  Take the moment in, breath it deeply, and don't project the ending.

Mamma, your journey goes way to fast ... hold on with white knuckles for before you know it ... it slips through your fingers.  You trade in puzzle pieces for lots harder problem-solving.  It doesn't happen overnight.  It does, however, happen.

As a Mamma to an adult, I am somehow changed.  This first-born is the one who has changed me.  I wouldn't trade this thrill-ride with all it's up and downs and fast-paced twists and turns for anything.  In this new stage ... I'm learning to take in every moment ... breath deeply ... and not project the ending!

looking around the corner,
christina





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