This morning I drove my daughter to school for the last time.
Today was her last day of high school.
She's the last of my five. I counted the years, 24 it's been since my first child began kindergarten. When I began this journey of motherhood, it felt like it would go on forever. I would have all the days I wanted to cherish (or struggle through), but there would be no end.
When all five of my babies were in school, I made a chart, just for fun, but so i could see when each child would graduate from kindergarten, middle school and finally high school. There was no reality for me at the time when I wrote that Hannah (the youngest) would graduate in 2009.
But, here it is and oh. OH.
My role as a mother of all these children was so fulfilling,
it's something
I'd always wanted to be...
...I know I'm still mothering, that'll always be true, but my role is changing and just like when I first began and adapted, here I go again...
...learning how to mother grown children...moved out children,
away to University children, adults...
...I got a text message in the afternoon,"Mama, I'm done!"
And so it is.
Congratulations my girl and thank you for helping me with the wings part,
Love and so much pride forever,
Mom
p.s. hasty convenient pics of pics
(if you've been here before you know me now, I'm oh so lazy, and usually in a hurry!)
I am feeling for you, Lori.Hannah is the image of you, so beautiful.She will always be your baby, no matter what.I have noticed in Hub's family, the youngest sister still gets called the 'baby' - she 's 37!
ReplyDeleteLots of cuddles and a few little tears. I know, I really do.
Love, Natsy.xx♥
Lori your pics of pics are fantastic..... absolutely no need to apologise for anything on your blog.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always a pleasure to read and never sound rushed....
Congratulations on reaching this time in your life with such a positive outlook.
Attitude governs the experience.
Big hug for you and enjoy the rest of your family journey as it is a long way from being over.
x Ribbon
Dear Lori,
ReplyDeleteThis woman-child, this exotic creature, your little girl .. I love the photos and I love your words describing the universal emotions we experience!
oh lori, wow she looks like you! I love the photo journey and your words make my heart run into the future and see what it will be like for me too, when mine are entering the world. sigh. wow. sigh.
ReplyDeleteyou have done such a good job, you have provided such an amazing role model, and so has Chuck, i can see it shine in the eyes of your children.
Congratulations to all of you
love me
your soul sister.
Lovely pictures, reminders of life changing, and roles changing too.
ReplyDeleteOh Lori, this struck such a chord with me! Just last night I was sitting with my nearly 4 year old asleep in my lap, chatting to a friend and trying to explain to her how fast it already seems to be going... Seems like I waited for so long to become a mom and now I have what, 14 years left with No 1 and 16 years with No 2, and then they too will be graduated and out the house. I've known my husband for 14 years - I can tell you it isn't a long time!
ReplyDeleteLovely, evocative post, and you have a very beautiful daughter. Well done you on getting here.
Another beautiful child, you have so many of them! Must be cause their mamma is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteA bitter sweet post, these letting gos and moving on are tough to go through, but the next stage has it's own wonderful rewards.... uuummmm think you told me that recently!!
love
xx
Your daughter is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGive yourself a pat on the back for doing such a grand job with your children.
xxx
They are not really leaving, you know. Just flying freely, but keeping you in their hearts. And one day passing your love on to their own little birds. (As the oldest one already has).
ReplyDeleteI know how it feels, Bonnie Lori, believe me! But believe me also that it is wonderful to step back... and smile. And watch these amazing young ones celebrate their own lives. This is just how it should be!
And congratulations to Hannah! Well done! We are proud of you!
lori as a mother of a 17 and 21 I understand the words you write..your photos show such a special young woman,,,(love the cloth diaper by the way)you are a true gem!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the both of you! You have a beautiful family and your pictures are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteLori Ann your daughter is stunning just like her Mama.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on raising five wonderful children. It is a real accomplishment.
Love to you and please pass on my congrats to Hannah.
Love Renee xoxo
What a great post to read at graduation time. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Hannah and to you!
LL
As beautiful as all that is and was, there is still a part that, as far as I'm aware, that has yet to be. And you will get to witness your mothering efforts in your own children as they have children of their own one day and you become a Grandmother not just a Grand Mother!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week end!
Natsy, I know what you are saying is true, i'm just a basket case of emotion right now.And then i looked at baby blossom. boo hoo!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ribbon, you always make me smile with generous words. Haha, i am always rushed when it comes to any pics that arent digital(most)but not when writing, i guess im impatient in a way! I want to get to the "good" part ☺
Helen, motherspeak. I love being part of this club. xoxo
Dear darling Michelle, you would think i'd have been properly prepared for this. ummm. no. BUT, i hope you will be a tiny bit more than me.love.
Thank you Rosaria, yes, my role, who'll I be now?
Jeannie, yes, just like those first precious months when a child is born, it can feel like an eternity, and then, blink, it's gone.Then blink again and graduation. enjoy those darlings of yours.
Mandy, i know i know your right ☺ and thank you. More time to adjust, that's what I need.But these kids won't wait. ☺
Janet. ok, i'm doing it. sniff.sob.thanks
Im getting there Geli, really, if I can just make it through the graduation next friday, then i'll be ok. i think.
little birds, nest, oh dear...sniff,sniff...
Elk, thank you. Cloth diapers, yup, miss them too ☺ you are sweet.
ReplyDeletethanks Tulsa dear, those are much appreciated words.xo
Thank you so much Renee, I surely will. And I'm sure also that she would thank you back.
Hi Lori Lynn, oh thank you. Now if I can just make it through the actual graduation!
Bogey, you are right of course. I will do my best to keep that in mind. Some stages of weaning are more difficult than others, but this is the hardest so far for me...(i am already a grandmother!!twice ☺)
thank you everyone, it feels so good to know I'm not alone...
Lori,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the elegance with which you describe these transitions..so gritty and real and yet so utterly beautiful. I haven't the words and you give them to me.
My little one at the beginning of the spectrum and yet I already feel it all flying by so quickly. A friend recently described holding onto to these moments as holding a handful of sand...
bless you as you transition, and congratulations!
Diana
Can you feel my cuddles for this teary mama? Can you feel the applause at the beauty and shining light that is Hannah? Can you feel my heart fluttering at your soft, emotional, love-filled words?
ReplyDeleteYes, you can: you're a mother.
Congratulations to bellissima Hannah, and to you for being who you are, for doing what you do. And all the Grace that comes with it.
Love,
Lola xx
A touching story and beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteI realize that, when you began this journey of motherhood, it felt like it would go on forever. Guess what? It does go on forever. Sure the nature of the relationship changes, when you have "adult" children and then (gasp!) grandchildren. But, from my experience, your kids are always your kids.
So have fun being a mom -- for a long time to come.
Lovely photos.. definitely a milestone for you, and who else to share it with but your blog friends! Hugs from Africa xx
ReplyDeleteHi Lori!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Brazil, again!
I´ve just got tears in my eyes... Your beautiful daughter will always be the "little girl" , won´t she?
I missed your posts , thank you for coming back.
Love
Mina
The best thing about the last day at high school is the new beginning that beckons, a new step.
ReplyDeleteShe's done well for herself. Wishing her all the best with the path she will now chart for herself.
Diana, it's true, it will be here before you know it. I love that thought, grains of sand...thank you for your lovely words.
ReplyDeleteLola, thanks my friend. I'm sure i will be saying these same words to you when it is little E's turn. I'll pass your congrats on!
Thanks so much Rob-bear. You are right of course. I will get used to being a different parent and learning to let go...
Thanks Karen. It's funny, she feels it asmuch as i do, she kept saying this would be the last back to school night, the last open house, the last drive to school...when you've done these things as long as i have, it's your life.
so your right, a milestone. Thank you for the hug, sending one back now. ☺
Dear Mina, yes, she will. That'll always be true, even if shes moved out, on her own... thank you dear for the kind words. Did you see my previous post and the african babies? sigh...
That's so true Anil, and thank you very much for telling me, I need to remember this.
Hi Lori..
ReplyDeleteI peeked in when you were in Africa and I think right after you got home. I have been putting up a new blog and reading reading and reading. Finding things like memes to do. But I must make time to read about your trip!!!!
I am so envious of you. You took time to really be there for your daughters. Knowing how special of a time this is, your daughter will have such wonderful memories.
I was going through a divorce around the time my daughter graduated. I wasn't there for her. I do so much wish I could be with her now but we live so far apart.
I am not very close to my son, either...well we live close but we are like oil and water mixed when we are around eachother. :(
I do envy your ability to make the future and the now special for your kids!
Check on my new blog when you get time. I plan to get to your blog soon to read read read! I hope you had a wonderful trip!!!
Hugs
Lana
Wow, what a big day to meet you...you're going thru so much, such a milestone in your life. A world of possibilities and new things awaits you, and I hope you find fulfilment in all that comes your way...
ReplyDeletethanks for introducing yourself, Lori...hope we see more of each other :)
Oh Lori, my tears are just bubbling below the surface. My oldest has not graduated yet, but he's in the middle of his junior cert exams (all of Ireland sit for their 3rd year and then they can leave school at 16). He graduates in 2012; my 2nd oldest (daughter) graduates in 2014; and my youngest (daughter) graduates in 2018, which is 9 years and what seems a lifetime away. I can't believe that my youngest is already 9 and that it has gone so fast. I'm glad to know that I'll always be important in their lives, just that my role is changing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful these photos...
ReplyDeleteirina
Thanks Lana, I think we all do the best we can at the time heh? Yes, we had a fabulous time in Africa, you can see my first post about it preceding this one.
ReplyDeleteI will go check out your new blog ☺
♥ Braja, me too! and thanks dear for stopping by with all your kind words.
Aden, luckily we have time to prepare, gently nudging those sons and daughters of ours out of the nest (even if we want them to stay!)I think it just takes time to get used to...
irina, welcome and thank you for the lovely comment.
HI, Lori, you are real woman and real being. Need not reply. Peace.
ReplyDeleteA tribute to all mothers. In memory of my mother, she died in 2002. I have written this poem, and I wish to encourage all living mothers to carry on loving their children despite the difficulties of their situations. Wishing all mothers a Happy Mother's Day.
Dear mum, I love you and still miss you.
Who am I before the Lord?
What does He want of me?
Where does He want me to go?
Who am I before the Lord?
He bids me to be still and wait,
He bids me to meditate upon His Word.
He bids me to put on His armour,
He bids me to wait for His timing.
Who am I before the Lord?
What does He want of me?
Where will He sent me to serve?
Who am I before the Lord?
He anoints me with His cleansing oil,
He fills me with His Holy Spirit,
He empowers me with His glorious might,
He bids me walk in obedience.
In fame or in drudgery,
In health or in sickness,
In plenty or in want,
In fun or in sadness,
In life or in death,
He bids me walk in obedience.
I set my Lord before my eyes,
Trusting Him at His Word,
I will embrace the joy and sorrow
Which comes with this difficult task
called Motherhood.
I will bear godly children,
For the Kingdom of Heaven.
I will train godly soldiers,
For Armageddon!
Thank You Lord.
And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit.
And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed.
Therefore take heed to your spirit,
and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
Behold, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
As arrow are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded ; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
by Ng Ai Boon
(by permission from http://theinnozablog.blogspot.com via link "advices")
Thank you for sharing this moment in your life. Hannah's graduation reminds me of the stage I'm in now with my own daughter. I long for this time to be everything that she needs...and I hope that I am able to be provide the support for a successful move to university. Every day I think...my daughter's a senior now...this is her last year of high school...she may go away and ...even move away. I feel proud and sad...but a good and necessary sad...I don't mind the feeling of loss through growth...isn't it what all mother's want? May your youngest be successful and happy in the next phase of her life. <3
ReplyDelete