My New Happy: 365 Days

Thursday, June 18, 2015

365 Days


Last week T helped out at his high school's graduation ceremony, and when he got home he happily announced, "only 365 days until I graduate".

I'm pretty sure I had a small heart attack.  All I heard was "you've only got 365 days left of being my mom".

I know, I know, I'm absolutely ridiculous.  No matter how old my boys get, I will always be their mom.  But in 365 days, when the youngest son graduates from high school, and the older one graduates from college, the life of mom as I've known it will change forever.

I've been a stay at home mama since C was born.  I had planned to go back to work when he was five months old, but as the day got closer, I knew I couldn't do it.  I was fortunate enough to be financially able to make that decision, with a supportive husband who just wanted me to be happy.

Let's ignore the bad hair and swollen face.  My body did not do pregnancy well.
And happy I have been.  Over the last 20 years I've changed diapers, fed babies, handled temper tantrums, done more laundry than I care to remember, nursed boo-boos and illnesses, helped with homework, been the family chauffeur, attended countless sporting events and concerts and assemblies, and been a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen.  

I wouldn't change one single minute.

If I had my way, we'd go on like this forever.  I love my job, and I'm not interested in retiring.  It's hard to remember what my life was like before these two arrived.  I vaguely recall being skinnier, well rested, and not so anxious. But like billions of moms before me, it will soon be time to move on and find a new normal.

However, I've still got 365 days.  Here's what I plan to do with them...

Go to every sporting event during T's senior year.  That's a lot of running and swimming meets.  There's talk of the cross country team attending an invitational in Hawaii this fall - hmmm...wonder if they need chaperones?

Be there any time they want to talk.  Teenage boys are odd creatures - they'll hardly say a word for days, and then everything comes pouring out at 10pm on a school night.  No matter what I'm doing, I will stop and listen.

More family dinners.  More fun stuff on the weekends.  At least one more big vacation.

I will enjoy the little things, like socks being left in the kitchen, an empty milk jug still in the refrigerator, and noisy boys on Friday night playing video games and having pizza when all I want is some peace and quiet.  Those things drive me crazy now, but I will miss them when they're gone.

Hug them and tell them I love them every. single. day.  This will undoubtedly drive them crazy, but it's the price you pay to grow up so darn fast.



Next year the boys will be moving on, and it will be quiet around here with just my husband and me.  I'll still be making dinner and picking up his dirty socks, and life will be good. Different, but good.  I can't even imagine what the new path will look like, but we'll figure it out.

But I've still got 365 days.

28 comments:

  1. You're always going to be mom. But now your role will be a little different. He's going to need someone to complain to about his college professors, to wash his laundry on break (and raid your fridge), make proud when you see him leaning towards one subject or another expressing an interest in a career, graduating some sort of cum laude, being a mother in law and one day grandma! All these things are so exciting! A whole new chapter of mom.

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    1. You're right - there's so much to still look forward to. Thank you!

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  2. Your role as a Mom is just going to be a little different and probably even better! You have the year planned out perfectly - cherish every moment because it's going to fly by!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  3. I like reading about life with your older boys. I can't imagine having 2 teenaged boys but I will find out soon enough! Enjoy the next 365 days.

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    1. Thanks Christy. I always enjoy your blog too, because it reminds me of my boys when they were young. We spent so much time at the hockey rink!

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  4. I love that you are making this last year one to remember - enjoy every moment and then get ready for all the new fun that having big kids coming and going from the nest entails. It just gets better and better :)

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    1. I'm going to take your word for it Leanne, since I know you've been there!

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  5. From what I experienced with my daughter Emma, I can tell you that you have a few more than 365 days ... the summer before getting ready to go off to college there is a lot to be done that moms can help with!
    But - I know exactly what you mean. My daughter is home for 2 days then returning to her college campus. She was out with friends last night, and I commented to my husband that it warmed my heart to see her stuff all over her room and her light left on!!

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    1. Getting ready for college will be a whole new adventure! So glad you're getting to spend some time with your beautiful daughter!

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  6. I remember those days and I was devastated and scared to death of what my life with just my husband in it would look like. Although you know my empty nest didn't stay empty long it was actually lovely and hubby and I were enjoying taking the time to try things that we hadn't had time to before. While my son left home and has been far, far away at times my daughter has always chosen to stay close to home which has been a huge blessing. Now the best part grandbabies. It will take a while, but you will enjoy that so much! All the fun with only a small part of the work haha!

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    1. I'm definitely looking forward to grandbabies someday. I can't even imagine having one of the boys so far away. Glad everyone is home safe and sound now!

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  7. Enjoy them all and I think you will have great part time job opportunities too!

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  8. 365 precious days. Then a few years of quiet. Then the noise increases exponentially as the grandkids come to visit - or stay . . .

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    1. I've heard that the quiet doesn't last long :)!

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  9. It is important to to spent time with them before they grow up. There will be benefits for when they grow up too!

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  10. I might have just cried a little bit there... I am going to feel exactly how you are feeling right now when my time comes...for now I"m going to happily ignore and pretend that day will never come.

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    1. You have a looooong time until this day comes!

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  11. I had a few tears reading this... I see my Valentina growing up and in the not too distant future it will just be me... this gave me a lot to think about Lana... xox

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    1. Thanks Launna. The time goes so fast, doesn't it?

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  12. 365 days of pure love. This is sad, but happy too. I'm totally crying but it's because I read something really sad before I came here, and now this is the icing on the cake!
    I remember that it was when I was getting married that I started to feel.. like I was losing my mom. I didn't feel it at turning 18 or even 20, but something about marriage made me worry she was no longer my mom.
    She always will be, of course. As will you to your boys.

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    1. I remember being so sad the night before my wedding, thinking that things would never be the same again with my parents. I love "365 days of pure love" - that will be my theme!

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  13. You are an awesome mom, those boys are so lucky to have you

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    1. And you are an awesome friend for saying so. Ditto for you and your kids :)!

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  14. Lana, this is the best post ever!! LOVE it!! Enjoy your time with the boys!!

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