So many books have been read through the years... Not so many books are being read anymore. Actually, I've forgotten a bit about the need of reading books lately and the bedtime routine has turned into just a good night kiss or snuggle.
Recently Jay laid down next to Emmy Bo to read a Good Night Story. He had been away on business trips, quite a few in a row, missing his little peeps here at home. When he returned downstairs he said:
"You know... We only have maybe a year left of this now Annette." The information hit me like a fist in my stomach. He was right. This phase is soon over.
I think this is my biggest challenge at the moment. My children are not just growing up, they are growing "away" from needs that has been routine for so many years. Mundane things that felt like a never ending cycle of obligation. All you wanted was a break from the routine, parenthood, the responsibility... just a rest... And all the women out there with older kids who said it will change, that one day you will miss all that.
I knew this was coming and still I'm so startled. It appears to be so sudden. They were just born, at least it feels like it. In pure desperation to hold on to this precious phase of parenthood, I'm reading to Emmy Bo at night. Occasionally. Because to be honest, she is now into novels like Harry Potter and she is the one reading out loud to me instead. And often I fall asleep on her pillow next to her in pure comfort from the melody of her voice, and even if we've somehow changed roles it seems, I hear myself whispering to myself: "Enjoy it while you can... Enjoy it while you can...", because I know there is just a question of time before even this role play will be over.
Kärlek
Annette
Annette
FOLLOW MY ROSE VALLEY HERE:
Don't worry about the children growing up, the next phase is even more fun when they begin to become their own people, confident young adults. As mothers I don't think our job is ever done. From holding their little hands, it becomes walking side by side with our arms around each other☺️
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that. It is comforting to hear as I can't imagine this new phase we are entering. Once a mother, always a mother.
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Yes, indeed. This is the dilemma of all mamas. My eldest has been out of the house for 5 years and my youngest for 2 years and I miss seeing them every day. Miss so many things about being a mom with kids at home.
ReplyDeleteI read to my younger two every night before bed. The elder of the two is 12 now, and I am so glad he still likes it. But as you say, it won't be long before he drifts away. I try and choose really good books to make it something to look forward to. Philip Pullman's 'The Ruby in the Smoke' at the moment, absolutely brilliant. I've read some really amazing books to them over the years, things they wouldn't necessarily have stuck with themselves. It's something I'll miss when it stops. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteTime is flying. Your children will always remember the joy reading books with you. And hopefully they are following your example of reading books with their children.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day, Margaret
Hold the memory of the books, it's lovely to reminisce when they become adults. The love mine have when I remind them brings it all back, particularly the rhyming ones (I can still remember most of Each Peach Pear Plum and Green Eggs & Ham 20 years on).
ReplyDeleteS x
My children are adults with children of their own. I love to hear my daughter read to her son before bed - she is a school teacher and says she can always tell which of her kids have been read to at home. Each stage in our kids' lives has been memorable, and the memories of their childhood are among the most precious. Enjoy each day as it comes.
ReplyDeleteLinda
J and you are so right. The time you read for them at bedtime is nearly over.
ReplyDeleteHere are the children living on their own now, and I miss having a full house. Our daughter and her boyfriend spend the summer here and I love it. The house is filled with laughter and chatter again. And I don't cook too much these days as if I have done the past time. I have to learn cooking the right amounts again.
Enjoy the summer Annette.
I understand how you’re feeling but can assure you that the next stage is great too. Seeing your adult children go out into the world, making their own decisions, finding their own way is intriguing and wonderful and to spend time with them is still so precious. And of course you get to read the same books that you read to them to your grandchildren too!
ReplyDeleteWorking in a primary school, I was shocked and saddened when little children told me their parents never read to them. It is such a special activity, and yours will have cherished memories of it. Your relationship with them will change, but in a good way for they’ll always need their Mum and Dad, no matter how old they get.
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