The giggles are gone

The other night I heard William giggle. It was the most lyrically delightful sound. I can still hear it in my memory. And I knew in an instant it would stay with me forever. I knew it was one of those moments I'll never forget. A treasure I can show no one. 

I have many of those. 

So many from my children. 

But my children don't giggle anymore. They're adults and one by one they are leaving. John and I see it happening and there's nothing we can do to stop it. It's just as it should be. And yet, our hearts are in a fight over letting go and holding on. Holding on is impossible, because life happens and children grow up. But currently we seem to be stuck in the middle of watching it happen. There's no other choice. 

John and I hadn't quite adjusted to Emma living in Washington, and now Caitlin has moved. Just a short mile away from us, but still. The look of our lives is changing, I don't recognize what I see these days. But as Lindsey said the other day, "the days are long but the years are short." I can attest to the short. 

I became a mother 27 years ago, and the natural progression of life happened. All my kids grew up. Not a big shocker, and I know I've said it so many times before, but I can't believe so much is over. 

So don't forget to sneak the snuggles for as long as you can. It goes by so fast. 

I'm posting some of my favorite photos of my kids back in the day in Corsicana. 

This is one of my all time favorites of my kiddos. It's adorable factor is off the charts, and it's in Corsicana. That's smack dab in the middle of my wheel house.  

After rereading this multiple times, I promise I'm not nearly as morose as it may come across. I really am adjusting to the new normal, and it sucks and is fine all at the same time. And while I get that it's the way life works, it was much easier when I was the young one leaving and making a different kind of life for myself. Call me selfish, I will answer.  

There's really no good way to end this post so I'll just be signing off for now. 

My plan is to blog more often in the coming days. 

It remains to be seen if that happens.

In the meantime...

Turkeys beware, it's the least wonderful time of the year....for you.