Kiss it, Mommy

I remember a time when a kiss, a hug and a band-aid would send the girls back to whatever it was they were doing. Even the bigger ouchies that came from broken bones and surgeries could be made better with some TLC.

And now? Not even close. There isn't a band-aid big enough to ease the pain of a broken heart or the ache from choices that are made for all the right reasons, yet still seem off somehow.

Being Mom to two adult daughters is toughest, I think, when they are hurting. Whether that hurt is from love or the world or a personal choice or whatever, stepping back and waiting is so hard. As the mom to a young child, it was easy to jump in and fix it. That same desire is there now, but no longer appropriate. Now the role is one of support and guidance, not fixer.

All that being said, and as hard as it can be, there is a tremendous sense of pride when I see the girls rising up from the sorrow and moving on. It's then that I'm able to catch glimpses of a lifetime of mothering and how through the sorrow there is joy. As moms we wonder if we've done good by our kids. It's times like this when I can see that I have.

My girls are strong women. They are smart women. They are amazing beyond words. And while I miss my little girls, I am so proud of the women they have become. And gosh darn it, I had a part in that.

As I bring this post to a close, I have tears. Not sure why because they tend to come on their own and without warning, but they are there even with a smile on my face. I've done a good job. I was a good mom and will continue to be a good mom.

Hmmm ... I think  I just rearranged my nest a little. It feels good. :)