Moms: Know When to Bend

This photo came up in my memories a few days before his wedding. I stared at it for the longest time. How his little arms held me so tight.

If only I could go back to that day… that moment. I would give anything.

In that moment, I was his whole world. And he was mine.

I remember that time of our lives so clearly. I was young and, thankfully, I knew everything. I was his mom after all… plus I had read ALL the books.

I was a very protective mom, consumed with perfection yet overwhelmed and full of fear. He was on a strict schedule and nothing interrupted our routine. I was careful what he watched, what he listened to and the people I allowed around him.

I can’t tell you have many times I heard, “Enjoy every moment because one day you will miss this.” In my mind, I WAS enjoying every moment and I didn’t need to be reminded that he would one day grow up and leave. Those words fell by the wayside with me.

Put Your Trust in the Lord

Looking back, I wish I hadn’t let my stubborn pride and obsession to be perfect rob me AND him of special moments. Schedules and routines were so important and necessary for him, yes, but would it have really hurt to bend a little? Extra cuddles, laughs, time with family and friends that showered him with love. So many moments that ended… and we didn’t know they were the last time.

If I could go back and tell that young mom anything, I would tell her to bend a little because one day she will grieve those moments and missed opportunities with a force so strong it will take her breath away.

Moms: It’s not about perfection. Do your best with the knowledge you have, but trust God to protect your babies AND to give you the extra strength and grace needed in the moment. Let them live and be loved. Bend.

And for the moms out there grieving the end of the greatest chapter of your lives, you are not alone… and you are not obsessed. You have loved with the greatest love on earth. With great love comes great grief.

Don’t stop loving them and taking in all the moments. There’s more to come. Hold them tight every chance you get. Their full-grown bear hugs will still melt your heart just as those little outstretched arms once did.