What is this strange feeling?

For 25 years I've had the privilege of being a parent. Some of the days have been absolute joy, and then some of those days, well...let's just say were interesting. When you are in the thick of parenting, making lunches and dinners, driving to school and sports, overseeing homework and projects, helping with church talks and signing school forms, you don't really ever believe that there will come a day when you don't do those things anymore.

As this school year began, I could feel the "change" in the air. I knew that this year represented a completion. My baby (pictured above with my cute little grandson) was turning 18, and he was going to be a senior in high school.

Every single year for 20 years I have filled out 2 emergency cards for each child at home. It didn't matter that they didn't change schools from the last year, or that their siblings were in the same school, each year 2 emergency cards are required. I remember feeling a little overwhelmed at the beginning of school when my kids would come home with eight emergency cards total. I'd space it out, to prevent writers cramp!

And now, a week before school was to begin this year, I found myself somewhat melancholy over the emergency cards that were before me. These were my last. Never again was it going to be required of me. The memories of all the emergency cards that I have signed flooded back into my mind. I actually gave the cards a little kiss, and had to smile. What is this strange feeling?

Scott and I decided that a surprise birthday party was in order. Plans were made and we were so excited to make the day special for Chase. Plenty of decorations, lots of yummy food and about 40 people awaited Chase's arrival. Before we came to the party, Chase and I had been at DMV so he could take his behind the wheel driving test. As I sat there, I reminisced over all the trips that I have made to the DMV with each of the kids, silently praying that they would pass their test! He passed - and I realized all at once, this was my last trip as a mom to wait for an anxious teenager at DMV. What is this strange feeling?

We got to the church, and in the gym we walked and Chase was stunned! He turned around and looked at me with his mouth open, and then dropped his head as his face turned bright red. We got him!
Silly minute to win it games were played.

At the end of the party, Chase came to Scott and I and said, "thank you so much mom and dad, that was so much fun!" My mind raced back at all of the times I could see the happy look on my child's face. My heart was warmed. What is this strange feeling?

I could go on and on at the things that have changed for me so far this year, one of the most recent developments is that now that Chase has his drivers license, I no longer drive any children, anywhere!! Wow, what is this strange feeling?

I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but it certainly is cause for reflection as I enter this new "change" in my life! I asked my husband what this strange feeling was, and he said, "Maybe it's freedom!" I think it's more like shock! The day really does come, and you are not required to do those things - and funny enough, when you are looking back on them, they bring fond and warm memories.

I'm so grateful for grandbabies!