All Grown Up

One of the most amazing things about my life has been the experience of raising our children. Anyone who is a parent can attest to the overwhelming feelings involved when you first hold that child and know you are responsible for their entire welfare. Of course, they do grow up and there are all the overwhelming feelings related to them leaving home to make their own way. Intellectually I know that Pete and Steve are grown men, but somewhere in the deepest parts of my heart they will always be my "little boys". I think on some level they know this and I'm sure it drives them crazy...but, hey, that's just the way Moms are.

This weekend we had the pleasure to attend the wedding of one of the old Iowa neighborhood "boy's" wedding. I know that Danny is "all grown up" as well, but as he and Elaine exchanged their vows, I couldn't help but think of him at age 7, walking to Lucas Elementary school with Peter. As each day turned into years, all of these kids grew up before our eyes. As I talked to some of the old gang from Iowa City last night, it was great to see the responsible, nice, "grown up " men they have all turned out to be.

Hannah will begin kindergarten in a few weeks. Peter and Anne's memories of the special moments in their children's lives have begun. And, I'm sure they will one day look back and have many of the same nostalgic feelings that I had this weekend. Danny's Dad, Jack, turned to me at the reception and said "Aren't we lucky to have our kids doing so well?". As I nodded in agreement, I felt deeply lucky, indeed.