Before the house is quiet…

As I stand at the crossroads of my children’s lives, I’m filled with a mixture of emotions that only a parent can truly understand. My oldest son, Jaden, is on the brink of turning 18, this is such a huge milestone that is full of excitement for him and his journey into adulthood. As for me it’s a reminder of how quickly time goes by.

It seems like just yesterday that I had to hold back tears as we dropped Jaden off for his very first day of preschool. And now, here he is, a high school graduate ready to take on the world as his own man. It’s an incredible feeling, one of immense pride and joy, yet beneath the surface, there’s a bit of nostalgia that pulls at my heartstrings.

I find myself reminiscing about the days when Jaden was so young, looking up at us with wide eyes full of wonder. Those were the days when our presence held an inexplicable magic. As parents, we were his anchors, his guides, his entire universe. Man, I long for those moments, those tender connections that seem like distant echoes now.

But as the years have unfolded, I’ve come to realize that parenting isn’t about holding on to the past; it’s about embracing the present and nurturing the future. I can’t wait to witness the man Jaden is becoming, to see him carve his path, to support him as he navigates life’s twists and turns. My heart swells with anticipation and curiosity about the man he will evolve into, yet my mind always wanders back to the little boy with untamed enthusiasm who once held my hand so tightly.

In contrast, my younger son, Canaan, has started his new adventure – kindergarten. His joy and unapologetic authenticity light up our home, filling it with energy, laughter, and a healthy dose of chaos. The walls echo with the sounds of his laughter and the pitter-patter of his little feet dashing around. It’s a stark reminder that childhood is a fleeting chapter, one that passes in the blink of an eye.

In the midst of Canaan’s vibrant nature, I’m reminded to treasure each moment, no matter how messy or noisy it may be. The house is in a constant state of joyful commotion when he’s around, and although there are days when I could really use a moment of quiet, I know that this phase is not everlasting. It won’t be long before the halls are hushed, and the house feels a little emptier

So, I make a conscious effort to be present, to fully engage in these chaotic moments. The unpredictable thuds of doors, the contagious laughter, and the boundless energy that accompanies him like a pack of wild horses upstairs are all reminders of a chapter that will one day come to a close. I hold onto each of these sounds, each of these memories, like treasures in the vault of my heart.

I won’t let these fleeting years pass me by. I’ll embrace the chaos, chase my son through the house as he screams with delight, and build forts that will transport us to wherever his imagination brings us. Hot Wheels tracks will wind their way through our house, through narrow tunnels and  through impossible cardboard obstacles, just like both my sons will navigate life’s challenges with the resilience and courage that I’ve watched them develop.

As my mind turns to the future, I’m committed to seize these moments. The forts will give way to phone calls, and the Hot Wheels tracks will be replaced by shared dinners. But until that time arrives, I’ll be right here, in the midst of the noise, laughter, and joy that define our home. After all, these moments are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives, and I intend to savor every single one.