How Did This Happen?

If you're a parent of teens or young adults, you're nodding your head and saying, "I know what you mean."
One minute you're changing diapers, the next you're standing in the airport waving as your daughter
leaves you once again for her last semester of first year university.
And no, I didn't cry this time! But I'm becoming increasingly aware that life with my children is changing.
My daughter is out of the house and my son has three more years left until he too goes to college.
I remember when I was in the midst of toilet training and temper tantrums thinking, "They don't make a handbook for this! I have no idea what I'm doing!"
Guess what? They don't make a handbook for this part either.
Older and wiser souls tell me to look forward to the empty nest. They actually smile and tell me how wonderful life is without children to run here and there. It will be MY time. Well, mine and hubby's.
While I can see that at some point I may believe that, I'm just not feeling it right now.
Not that I'm saying I feel the need to rush out and have another child, God forbid...it's just that...things are changing.
Metathesiophobia - Fear of Change. Who knew there was a name for it?
This is me. I happily exist in my own little world and I like it just the way it is.
Maybe that's pretty sad, I don't know.
It's not that I won't accept the changes however, it just takes me longer than the average person.
But change is good you say. Children are meant to grow up and leave the nest.
Yeah, I know.
But how many parents do you know, seriously, who don't grieve just a little bit that their babies are grown?
I'm allowed, right?
Well, I'm going to do it anyway.
I'm so grateful that God allowed me to be a Mom. He gave us two amazing children, and I'm truly excited to watch them emerge into adulthood, knowing we've done our job to the best of our ability. It's just a little strange to be on this new road of life, not knowing where the next turnoff is. When kids are young, you figure you've got at least twelve years of pretty standard routine ahead. When they're emerging adults, life is full of unexpected twists and turns.
Summer jobs, traveling plans, new friends and pretty soon...maybe even that one God has already prepared for them will come into the picture...but not too soon. Smile.
I'm not ready for the whole Grandma thing yet. Let me get used to the College thing first!
Ah, life. One exciting journey, isn't it?
God, thank You for my kids. Help me embrace the changes and be thankful for the times we can spend together, even if they're not as frequent, they're just as fun and meaningful. Bless all of us dealing with change. Fill our days with laughter and joy, and let us be grateful for the past, but hopeful for the future, with You leading the way.
Be blessed.
And pass the tissues. Takes me to blog when I get home from taking Sarah to the airport...
Will I ever learn?