If you are a long-time reader here, you know by now that my children are my #1 priority in life. Pretty much every decision made is formulated on what's best for my kids. Thankfully, my husband shares the same value system, and raising our children is definitely a two-parent operation. This value system is not, however, shared by some others that I know, and that has caused friction. Friendships have been dissolved over this, but more mundanely, many hair appointments, lunch dates, and social engagements have been canceled because one or both of the progeny has a practice, a lesson, an obligation at school, or has fallen ill and had to miss school that day.
And I'm fine with that.
Let's back up for a moment, shall we? Many moons ago, when I was a young 18-year-old entering college, my dream was to become a singer doing chorus lines in Broadway shows while working hard on getting my rock band ready to "hit the big time." I entered music school with that dream firmly in my mind and implanted in my motivational drive. I pressed the accelerator and drove onward, believing I would be successful.
It didn't take long for me to realize that not only did I lack the talent to take this dream and make it come to fruition, I didn't really have the motivation to stick with the plan. So, I changed my dream to fit reality, and decided to become a writer.
Never once did my dreams include becoming a full-time, stay-at-home mom, and yet, here I am thirty years later, content in my life, and fully acknowledging that the most important thing I will ever do in this life is to be a mother to my children.
I found it humorous that just weeks before my daughter was to begin her high school career, my high school class held it's 30 year reunion. While she was looking forward, I was gazing backward, reminiscing with high school pals on Facebook about times past and smiling about past exploits while cringing at the mistakes.
How is it that I have now become the mother of the girl perched on the threshold of her future, contemplating how she will plot her course through high school in order to achieve her dreams? How does she lay the ground work in these four years in order to provide a springboard to launch her to the next level?
The future is set for no one. As technology grows and advances in ways that mere mortals cannot fathom, how do educators and parents help our kids become ready to seize opportunities and make them their own dreams and goals?
I don't know the answers, but the fun is in the trying. And the doing. And the failing. And in the perseverance. And we'll do it the old-fashioned way....with love, patience, support, and lots of laughter.
Best of luck to you, my baby songbird. May you become the best YOU you can be. I'll be here to catch you if you fall, and I'll be the first one to prop you back up. Go forth, and take the world by storm.
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****At the request of The Palm Springs Savant, I've added a track from our parish's Christmas CD of two years ago. The singer at the opening and the lead singer of the children's verse is my daughter, The Bonnie Lass. If you are a friend of mine on Facebook, there is a video of my daughter filmed this past May of her singing the National Anthem. Enjoy. :) ***
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I've a feeling she will do fine. She has parents that will see to that.
Have a terrific day. :)
The Kidlet loves High School. Variety is the spice of life when it comes to education.
She will do just fine...she has a solid base to lean on and a values system taught by two special people.
Is that her, second from the left? I bet this is just some picture you found...but it reminds me of her
Beautiful post, DS! I love the heart felt honesty in your writing. Although my daughters are much younger I have a while before I deal with this sort of thing, I know it will be tough when I do!
Stop it, you're going to make me cry. My oldest is only ten, but I feel she's ready to leave the nest. She already rather hang out with her cool aunt instead of me.
I have always admired you for your dedication to the family. Kids should be job 1 but you are so focused! Your kids are lucky to have you as a mom.
Now about the new songbird in the family...how fun! We just need to hear her sing here!
She's got a fine, strong foundation. Your job is to maintain it and worry at it, while hers is to launch herself from it...and land back on it periodically to shore up her balance.
I think you're both going to do great.
when my daughter was born, her dad gave me a print with the caption,
"we give our children two things...
the first is roots
the second is wings"
Wings are harder.
I loved the years the kids were in high school.
Well, I'm all teared up, too. Our children are so valuable, and I rejoice in parents like you who recognize that and nurture them in a way that the future isn't as frightening.
~~~Blessings~~~
sigh. The days are long but the years go fast. I think Bonnie Lass is a fortunate girl to have you as a parent. She is being guided down the right path and direction. I think she is going to be okay!!
Your kids are so very blessed to have you!
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