I don’t usually post photographs of myself. But this is one I don’t want to forget.
You see, I think it documents the last time my Simon will not be too old to hold his mother’s hand.
Last month we went with my parents to Disneyland. (Thank you again Mom and Dad.) I love that place…I’m still 8 years old every single time I walk inside those gates and I love every second of it…anyway…while we were there Simon was dying for me to ride “Screamin'” with him.
So I did.
When we climbed into our seats Simon wanted to take a picture to send to my husband…to make him jealous…because he couldn’t come…because he had to work 🙁
So we did.
Then as the coaster cars pulled into position and the countdown started Simon said we should hold hands in the air to make sure that we kept our hands up for the “ENTIRE RIDE”.
So we did.
And somewhere during the screaming, and the laughing, and the upside down I realized this may very well be the last time Simon, my baby boy…who’s not such a baby anymore, wants to hold my hand.
Suddenly I couldn’t remember the last time that chubby little hand had been slipped inside of mine and I couldn’t breathe.
Time was racing by faster than the roller coaster ride and I just wanted everything to stop.
Just STOP.
Please, please, make it stop.
But then I heard Simon laughing and felt his hand holding mine…so much more grown up than the chubby little 4 year old hand that I remember so well..and I knew there was only one thing I could do.
Hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
So I did.
I can’t stop time or my kids from growing up no matter how desperately I want to. All I can really do is hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
So today I will pray that the ride will be long, ever so long, and full of laughter and excitement…and that we will all be able to hold our hands up in the air together for the “entire ride”.
-liZ
Wow, did not expect to cry scrolling through my feed this morning. Thanks for some great thoughts, they ring so true with my kiddos right now!!
This was beautiful and made me tear up about my own kids. The oldest is in second grade but it feels like time is flying by. I feel like I blinked and she went from baby to second grader.
I just found your blog this morning (via pinterest ad with THe Birds costume got me)
This is really speaks to me. I have 2 boys – they’ll be 8 and 6 this winter.
My now 7 year-old is quite huggy, affectionate (by his own doing) the last few months. I can’t help but wonder if his body is making a “last hurrah” before it all comes to a halt.
Glad you both enjoyed the ride.
Maybe I’ll learn to sew now that I see all the beautiful amazing things here
Well, I just totally teared up! You are seriously the sweetest mama, and your kids are lucky to have you 🙂
I so agree with this and I so teared up as well. It’s so hard to have them grow up. I’ve been feeling a lot of that with my 11 year old. 🙁 It’s hard to not get sad and enjoy but we have to! Thanks for posting this liZ!
You are absolutely adorable and this post is beautiful. I have two girls, ages 12 and 15. Now…tell me about growing up! Yikesy!! A comment I received from a friend, when talking about my dislike of texting and how plans always seem to be changing, was this: “Strap yourself in for the ride because it is only going to get more crazy.” (My daughter is in high school this year, hence the comment.) I think this goes right along with that roller coaster ride story! They are growing up so fast but I am enjoying this (sometimes crazy) ride. 🙂
Don’t be sad our best work is done when they don’t need us like they used to. Healthy Happy adults is the wish we have for them and to make that happen they must be able to stand alone. That doesn’t mean they are ever alone we are always in their hearts and ready to catch them if they fall. You are a great mom and have a smile in your heart knowing you are doing a great job!!!
Cried happy tears reading this. Beautiful!
Lovely post and oh so true to hold on to those moments! Great memory shot!