The part of parenting we tend to not think about..

Well, for those who have been following my blog, you know that we have recently returned from seeing my son and his girlfriend in Edmonton, and now are gearing up for my daughters Scoliosis surgery at the IWK in Halifax.

To say it has been an emotional rollercoaster doesn’t even come close to describing what has been going on in my heart and my head. One thing I am really starting to realize about parenting is this; nothing really prepares you for when your kids grow up and start their own lives. When kids are younger we always talk about the days when our little pain the butts grow up and finally leave the comforts of home. We spend a lifetime trying to prepare our little bundles for the big bad world, but what do we do to prepare ourselves to let them go? 2 of my kiddos are now out on there own. I can honestly say that I am so super proud of both of them. Both have gone through struggles getting on with this next chapter, which they have met with such maturity that I just can’t help but think that somehow we have raised them well. This is despite all the bad mom moments I have totally beat myself up over.

it’s crazy how watching our children grow can be the greatest yet toughest moments of our lives…

As I spent a week with my son and his girlfriend, I experienced so many mixed emotions about so many things in life. I reflected on our days gone by, I reflected on the rough days and the fantastic times we also have , which I am really truly grateful for, with my youngest still at home. She is 16 going on 40, I’m sure many can relate to that phase!! I have really had a great sense of peace as I reflect on how well they are all really are doing. However, I also miss the younger days, the days when we were all living so close to each other. Now I face a 4.5hr drive to see my daughter, or the plane ride to travel to the other side of Canada to see my boy, or the anticipation of where college will take my youngest next fall. I am enjoying the thoughts of them all being out on their own and enjoying the next chapters in life, on the same hand it is kind of scary preparing for my own next chapter, being a parent of three grown children. It is such a whirlwind of emotions, that I am truly grateful for and honored to be experiencing.

…pause…two…three…now continue…. always remember to take time for you..xo

I am learning to embrace every moment of every day and to just slow down and really look at what is important, something I wish I would have learned earlier in life. Rather than pouting and being miserable for the past I am working so hard at enjoying each day and being thankful for the experiences life has given me so far. The good, the bad and the ugly. When it all comes down to it, life is happening each day, so its best to just embrace it and focus on the things you can control and not worry about the things you can’t. I work to find peace in each day and in knowing that no matter what, I will always be Mom to my babies and that no amount of worry will help them or me.

Until next time my friends, be kind to yourself and as always, look out for others! xo

2 Replies to “The part of parenting we tend to not think about..”

  1. Hey Jen!
    I can certainly relate to the teenager going on 40 😁!
    I love reading your blogs. I actually benefit from the inspiration. Thank you for that! I am happy we crossed path.
    Indeed life chapters can be rollercoasters but we always seem to manage.
    You have a good spirit. You’re a good mom and I’m sure your children appreciate you so much. ❤️

Leave a Reply