Just 5 more minutes

How's this for an itinerary?

• Germany
• Houston
• SLC
• Rexburg
• Houston
• Sweden
• SLC
• Rexburg
• Panama
• Costa Rica
• Houston

This has been Ashlee's schedule for the last month.  She has been on tour, promoting her CD, and home for a day to two between all of the other locations.  Friday she had a concert in Rexburg, and was able to see Lizzy for a few hours, then flew to Houston, en route to Panama.  I met her at the airport to collect her guitar, and laptop, and I was able to see her for 5 minutes before she got on another plane.  How my heart broke to let her go, it was so sad, and hurty.  Letting children go has to be one of the most painful aspects of parenting. 

When I was pregnant with my first baby Luke, at the tender age of 21, I made a decision that I have never regretted.  I decided one day that I would never wish away time - I wouldn't wish away a minute of pregnancy, I wouldn't wish away years of nursing, or changing diapers, I wouldn't waste one second of my time with my children, because I knew one day they would be gone.  Where does a 21 year old get that kind of wisdom?  I don't know, but I'm grateful now for the decision I made then.  That decision was sometimes put to the test...8 weeks of chicken pox, etc...but no regrets.  My only sadness is that the time went so fast, and now they are gone.  I just want them to all be home, laying around on our red couches, covered in quilts, watching Lizzy play a video game, listening to Ashlee and Melissa talk in silly voices.  I want Luke to be home, and not away in the Army.  I would just give all that I have for 5 more minutes with all of them. 

Alright, I've had my cry, and my little pity party for one.  Time to start a new quilt...the keeper of my sanity.  Thank you for letting me share my woes...it's time to go back to work.

Comments

[MaryBeth]

Oh you just made me cry! It sounds like you did a fabulous job with them!!

[Teresa]

(((Cherri)))), it is hard to see them go, but there is also pride in knowing they are making a way for themselves.

[Tina in Boston]

Hi Cherri! You were obviously a great mom to have raised such a talented bunch! I know it's hard to have them gone, but you have all those wonderful memories to be thankful for.

[nicolette]

From what I’ve read in your and Lizzie’s posts, I’ve got the impression that all your children love to be at home, love to see each other, so you did a great job being their mum!
What greater gift can a parent give, then letting their children go?

I’m not an expert, don’t have kids of my own, but my mother still has a hard time to let me go though she’s in her eighties now. That can feel suffocating.

Go and make yourself a quilt!! LOL!

I hope Luke is doing well!

Hugs from Holland)))

[Nanette]

So wise Cherri. I still have 3 at home and the other day I was thinking how fast time went for the first 5 to go and before I know it they will all be gone. Life really is so fast. So incredibly fast.