I am sure that every parent feels this way, but I was gifted three amazing children to parent. Nikki, Chrissy, and David are the shining stars in my life and inspire me each and every day. They are all uniquely different as they should be.
This morning I was on the phone with my mom and it struck me how fast children become young adults and embark on their own lives.
My baby girl, Nikki, is 26 - not really a baby girl. Today serves as a Drill Sargent in the US Army and is getting her Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology. Yet, I can remember the first time I got to hold her. She was almost two days old. I remember feeding her with a dropper and dressing her in cabbage patch kids clothes because the premie clothes were too big. Today, she is this incredible woman who shows strength, dignity, and a passion for life.
My princess, Chrissy, is 18 - and still a princess. Today she attends USF Honor's College studying Public Health. She holds a position with Americorp where she goes into an inner city school to tutor 2nd graders who are struggling with learning to read. Though the shirley temple curls have disappeared, she is the same as she was when she was little. Strong, independent, and feisty. She has become this young woman that stands for what she believes in and yet has a compassionate heart that melts even the toughest cynic.
My baby boy, David, is 16 - and now stands over 6' tall. He is a Junior in High School and attends PHCC college as a dual enrolled freshman. My computer wiz is also, in his words, the "coolest kid I know". He reminds me daily not to take life so seriously - it is to be enjoyed. Every moment can be a memory. He is my baby and as I sit here waiting for him to drive himself home from class, I wonder what happened to the little blonde boy that wanted mommy to read him a story. He is a young man now that truly knows how to be his authentic self.
I am soul filled with gratitude that I 'GET' to be momma to three incredible children.
This morning I was on the phone with my mom and it struck me how fast children become young adults and embark on their own lives.
My baby girl, Nikki, is 26 - not really a baby girl. Today serves as a Drill Sargent in the US Army and is getting her Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology. Yet, I can remember the first time I got to hold her. She was almost two days old. I remember feeding her with a dropper and dressing her in cabbage patch kids clothes because the premie clothes were too big. Today, she is this incredible woman who shows strength, dignity, and a passion for life.
My princess, Chrissy, is 18 - and still a princess. Today she attends USF Honor's College studying Public Health. She holds a position with Americorp where she goes into an inner city school to tutor 2nd graders who are struggling with learning to read. Though the shirley temple curls have disappeared, she is the same as she was when she was little. Strong, independent, and feisty. She has become this young woman that stands for what she believes in and yet has a compassionate heart that melts even the toughest cynic.
My baby boy, David, is 16 - and now stands over 6' tall. He is a Junior in High School and attends PHCC college as a dual enrolled freshman. My computer wiz is also, in his words, the "coolest kid I know". He reminds me daily not to take life so seriously - it is to be enjoyed. Every moment can be a memory. He is my baby and as I sit here waiting for him to drive himself home from class, I wonder what happened to the little blonde boy that wanted mommy to read him a story. He is a young man now that truly knows how to be his authentic self.
I am soul filled with gratitude that I 'GET' to be momma to three incredible children.
