Thoughts on Parenting

This week we became the parents of two adult children. Sam turned 18, leaving us with only one minor in our household. It’s weird to think about that. For over 20 years, we’ve been doing this parenting thing.

However, I seldom think to myself “where has the time gone?” Because, after all, we’ve been responsible for kids (feeding, clothing, herding, disciplining, guiding, etc) for 20 years.

While we aren’t empty-nesters quite yet, we are experiencing the growing independence of our kids. And to be honest, this is one of my favorite stages. Not because we’re getting rid of them (and certainly, with two college bills looming, we are not rid of them), but because I love watching them grow into who they are becoming.

Today Chelsea ran her first half marathon. It was so fun to be there to encourage her and to watch her fortitude. As mom, I wanted to be there at every mile to remind her: you can do it; don’t let the stress , or the miles, get to you; stay focused; it’s ok if you need to slow down a bit; be sure and take your goo at the right time.

Then I would remind myself, she began this running thing on her own. This is her goal. She’s got this. We’re just her fan club.

Logistically we were able to position ourselves at a few spots to cheer her on – but we knew that after 8.5 miles, she would have to run the rest without support if we were going to be at the finish to see her cross. We also knew that that would be the hardest stretch. And she had to do it on her own.

[Oh, and just as an aside, this race was run entirely in the city of Raleigh – yes, our “big city” has these views.]

So we positioned ourselves at the finish line and waited for her to turn that corner and run up the hill. And right around the time we expected her, she appeared. 

And she finished strong.

I love that she set such a challenging goal.

I love that she had the discipline to accomplish her goal.

I love that her boyfriend encouraged her through training and the race.

I love that we got to see her finish.

I love that being a parent doesn't end at 18... or 21...