Spread your wings and fly!

When our kids were little we would tell them that they could be whatever they wanted to be, if they worked hard enough at it and sacrificed for it. They didn't of course know the full meaning of that comment, but just knew they wanted to be this... or that ..when they grew up. Some of them were more sure than others, and some changed their minds quite often. So we would use our imaginations and they could dream and pretend they were whatever they wanted to be.

As a mom, I loved that time of endless possibilities and their wonderful imaginations. The hard part is when real life comes in and the trials and obstacles get in the way. I have watched my kids suffer when they didn't know what they wanted to do and they felt lost. I have also watched them miss opportunities for one reason or another. Then on the other hand, I have watched them be excited because they finally found what their dream or passion is and they were pursuing it.

Lauren had this photo taken and it reminded me of how much I miss her, and yet how grateful I am that she is in college and pursuing her dreams. I have always struggled as a mom when my kids move away from home. I know that is exactly what I am suppose to be getting them ready to do but ...it is hard on a mother's heart.

"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."  ~Marion C. Garretty

Lauren was excited to go somewhere that was cold and had lots of snow...Idaho was the perfect place for her. She is loving it there and enjoying the whole experience.  Brad and Krystal however are thrilled to be spending the 4 months for their internships here in Seattle, away from the cold and snow. And of course they chose the perfect winter to come, this year has been one of the driest and warmest we have had in recorded history.

So as a mom of kids who are growing up and moving on, I realize that I too... need to continue thinking about the things I want to do and prepare myself to spread my wings and fly. I am beginning to work on my book, the one that I have dreamed of doing for years. I am working on getting a business started with my RECNAC gifts, hopefully getting them into other hospitals, available to all cancer patients. Yes, I taught my kids as they were growing up, but the neat things about having your kids get older, is that they begin to help teach you. I am grateful for my kids, what they have made and are making of their lives. I am grateful for their examples of courage and strength. Yes, motherhood is the hardest job ever but... the benefits are amazing!

"It's not only children who grow.  Parents do too.  As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.  I can't tell my children to reach for the sun.  All I can do is reach for it, myself."  ~Joyce Maynard

"YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME ANYTHING TO WHICH YOU SET YOUR MIND. YOU HAVE A MIND AND A BODY AND A SPIRIT. WITH THESE THREE WORKING TOGETHER,  YOU CAN WALK THE HIGH ROAD THAT LEADS TO ACHIEVEMENT AND HAPPINESS. BUT THIS WILL REQUIRE EFFORT AND SACRIFICE AND FAITH." ~ Gordon B. Hinckley 

To all of you who have played a part in our kid's lives....thank you!