Adulthood

20 years ago I was 11 years old. Barely thinking about what my life would be like. I was having sleep overs and talking with friends about boys and getting married and who we liked and what celebrities were hot. You know, important stuff to an 11 year old. I knew some day I would be married with kids but I also felt at the time that it would take for ever to be old enough to actually get married and have kids. I mean come on, 30 was SO far away and SO old! I remember my mom taking us school shopping, finding a dress for school dances, selling things to win cool prizes, and homework. School counselor meetings to show how well I was doing. All that fun stuff that parents get to do. And some day, I would be one of them. Some day was so far off though. And now, some day is finally here.

We recently moved to a new city and had to go through the process of finding a new preschool for Chloe. We finally found one we are pleased with and love the staff there. We had our first parent meeting last week because they just remodeled the school and wanted to touch base with parents so we knew what was going on. As I am sitting in this gym full of parents my age with kids my kids' age, I realized that some day was here. That I had become one of 'those' parents that I had always dreamed of becoming and one day knew would happen but felt was so far away. It was completely surreal to think about the fact that I was sitting in a room full of my peers near my age with kids. That I was a parent. A mom. That I was at that meeting because I have a child in school and that child would be in kindergarten next year. It was weird realizing that 'THAT' day had finally come and that I was. for some reason, able to full realize it at that moment. I am my mom. I am now going to be doing the school shopping, going to school meetings, buying those dance clothes, helping with the homework. I am the mother, not the child. I am the one my kids look up to and seek answers from. I am the adult. Me. I still think of myself as being young and just living life. That I am taking care of only me. But then reality hits and I realize that I am a mom, a wife. I have a family. I am an adult who has little people to take care of, look after, be an example for. Some day seemed so far off and now some day is here and seems to be passing me by without a second glance. For some reason, this meeting really brought it home for me. I am mom. I am a parent. I am an adult. Doesn't mean I can't have childlike tendencies, and believe me I do! But I am first and foremost, an adult. One who actually has to be responsible! How did that happen! I swear it just happened overnight! Amazing how fast life passes you by and how easily we take it for granted. So while I am realizing it now, I hope to take time to truly enjoy the roll I am in as mother and wife and try to nurture my children by my husbands side. And pray that some day, we will be able to see our children become adults as well!