When you’re in the thick of parenting, you don’t always realize what’s happening around you. Most days, you’re just trying to survive until the next one — preferably with everyone fed and at least somewhat cooperative. I knew becoming a mom would be hard work, but no matter how prepared you think you are, parenting has a way of humbling you.
Looking back now, I wish I could travel back 16 years and gently remind myself to slow down. To sit and have the tea party, even when the to-do list felt endless. To go to the zoo more, even if it meant loading everyone up and questioning my life choices halfway there. To say yes a little more often and make the memories while they were right in front of me. I’m probably my own harshest critic when it comes to the moments I feel I missed.
Life, though, is full of firsts and lasts — often happening whether we’re ready or not.
Every year brings new ones to our house. This year includes a high school graduation — a last day of school — and a first day of college. A brand-new chapter. We’re also deep in the teenage years, and by the start of the next school year, I’ll lose a driver in the house, which means more carpools… but also a lot more quiet reflection.
As you navigate your own journey of firsts and lasts, remember this: Even if you missed some moments, you did not miss the love. Our children don’t need perfection — they need our presence. And it’s okay for them to see that we’re human, still learning, and doing our best — especially since keeping up with teenage lingo feels like a never-ending job. Is it “slay”? Is it “mid”? And when did “bet” stop meaning what I thought it meant?
We may not catch every first or last — but we catch enough.