This post took on a life of it’s own. I started on one topic and came out with something else. I think I will leave it that way and see what you think.
I was invited today to my grandaughters elementary school for an event called battle of the books. The children were competeing in teams to answer questions about popular books they have read. Each team had posters to announce some very creative team names such as Bubble gum battle Readers, The Crazy flying monkeys, and my favorite (of course my granddaughter’s team) Fresh Focusing Sugar Candy Fire Flames! No kidding! How the kids got the words focus and sugar in the same sentence I will never know.
I bring this topic up because the battle actually was not what most adults might think of as exciting. A few questions, a few right answers and a few not so correct answers about books we haven’t read, is just not most peoples idea of stimulating. I remember as a mom going to a number of events that were like this. As a grandmother , I see them a bit differently.
Here’s the thing… being a witness to the life of a child is a gift you are giving. They are having fun competing on their level, and the fact that you are there to witness their success or even a failure is valuable .
You don’t have to, nor is it realistic to think you can attend every event your child is part of. Don’t feel guilty. When you can be there, really be there, so that it makes an impact. All people need a witness to their life. If you are unable to go, don’t beat yourself up over it, but ask them how it went. If you are away, such as during a deployment, ask you child what the best part of the event was, and what was the worst part. This can start a conversation between you. Children know when you are interested in their life.
These events go quickly, life passes by and children grow literally like the weeds in my backyard. Yesterday I had little ones, and now… I have little ones!…another generation and I get to be the grandma. I have to admit this still surprises me sometimes…how did I get old enough to be watching my grandaughter and grandson perform at school? One day ,if you are a young parent ,you too will find yourself thinking that same thing!
So, here it is…the event may not mean much to you, but it is something they are part of. If your spouse is deployed, try and let them know when one of these events are coming up. Coach them on what the child will be doing, does he have the part of a tooth in the school play? Are they trying for the green belt in karate? Do they have a piano recital?
Stifling yawns are part of parent hood. If you think about how quick time passes, you may be able to attend these with out the yawns.
As your little one steps up to the microphone, envision the day they get up there and give the college graduation speech. It will quickly get you attention focused on that sweet chubby cheek .
May 8th, I will be attending that college graduation. My daughter, will be on that stage. Gone is that chubby cheeked imp that I see in this picture. She is a beautiful and elegant woman.
Take it from me, the time from there to here, is only a moment!
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