Well, that day has finally arrived in our lives. After all the years of tending to sick children, running kids to practices, seminary, church events, watching them go on dates, get engaged, or go off to college, the last Theis child has flown the coop! Where did the years go? This is a question that all parents in our position must ask.
When we were younger, we were so caught up in all those moments that we never noticed that the years were flying by and bringing us to this point. They say that hindsight is 20/20, and I can truly attest to that fact! Movies often paint the rosy picture of the parents waving goodbye to their last child, and then jumping in the car and running off to some special place for 'alone' time. Young parents, don't be deceived. That scene is what young parents wish for amidst the hectic days of raising children. We have had the time to spend many weekends or vacations alone as the children got older. No, that picture of the last child driving away is often a melancholy, or even a sad one.
It doesn't just remind us of how old we are, it tugs at our heartstrings with the reminder of times past with our children. First, it's the fond memories of fun times and great experiences. Then, it moves in another direction of the brain--did we do enough? Will they be ready for the world and its trials? Were we good parents? Tears are shed and dried. Then we look around and try to think of something to do to make our lives seem fulfilling.
Moving on to that next step on the ladder of life is ok because we still have weddings, and grandchldren to look forward to. But, in this stage of life we have a keener eye. We watch our children with their children and try to remind them of what is really important in life. Don't sweat the small stuff, try not to be so harsh when disciplining your children, love them more, make more happy memories for them to hold on to you later. We tend to appreciate any little thing that those grandchildren do or say; because we know that time flies, and life is just too short when it comes to raising children.
Adult children
They make the later years worth living.