Where did it go?

It seems like only yesterday.....I hear older mothers and grandmothers quote me that line often. I'm guaranteed the line when I am coaching a nine-year old on navigating a cart (buggy...I am in the South now) through the aisles of the grocery store, while having my heels clipped by the four year old pushing one of those "shopper in training" carts behind me, while balancing a squirmy toddler on my hip, and tossing my head back to glance at the daughter bringing up the rear and fetching missing items. At those moments I am thankful for the reminder, and more thankful for the kindness in the comment when more biting comments could and are often made. But rarely do I find myself amazed at how fast the time has truly gone. Recently, I found the thought leap into my mind as I stared at my nine year-old son from behind the camera. Gone are those yellow curls and chubby cheeks. Gone as well is the little potbelly and thighs with numerous rolls. Infact, his legs are quite long, and his arms are becoming quite strong. Thanks to wrestling practice he can now drop and give nearly as many push-ups as his father asks. And Luke will laugh when challenging Patrick to "drop and double it". As a homeschooling mom I am often amazed--or frustrated-at the learning taking place by my children. We read, we solve problems, we discuss things and make messes. However, as a mom in the stands watching a sport such as wrestling, I am amazed at what my son can do physically. These are the moments when time surprises me. Weren't we just learning to catch a ball? I remember laughing at his toddler run, now I laugh at his baby brother. We've had baseball and soccer and football, and Luke has learned things through them all. Now I am amazed at this new sport. A sport with a team of one. I am impressed at his drive to learn. His calm nature before his turn on the mat. The fact he can eat and laugh and joke knowing he'll be up in only minutes. I am surprised by his focus and concentration as he works his moves. His focus on his father who coaches and calls out moves mid-match. I am impressed with the coaching he receives from his father. The focus of which is...you worked hard, you didn't give up, you listened well, you took a risk, you didn't cry, I am proud of you. All of which will serve him well as he grows, which I see is happening so quickly. Those nights of the stubborn baby who needed to scream for exactly twenty minutes before falling into dreamland are now replaced by late arrivals home after practice and peanut butter bread snacks before bed. Now I wake him in the morning because of the late practice the night before......the time flew...just like they said it would. I suppose it was those bedtime tears caused by the baby that made it so hard to see initially. Now, I fear it will be my own tears over time pressing on to cloud my view.