A Mom's Memories
Monday, March 01, 2010
By: Michelle Wiginton

In preparation for our upcoming spring JBF event in North Tampa, Florida, I have been busily cleaning out my kids' closets, drawers and toy boxes, gathering up items that have been outgrown or are no longer played with. In part, it’s a fantastic feeling. Twice a year, my kids' rooms are so clean and organized that I hesitate to let them back through the doors. But, while cleaning out my two-year-olds drawers to make room for this year’s next-size-up summer wardrobe, I got hit with a momentary wave of sadness.

Packing away his little jammies got me thinking how each season ends an era for our children. With every growth spurt comes the reminder that they’re not going to stay little forever. Each seemingly shrunken shirt tells me a story of a once much smaller child who is changing and maturing daily. My little man is growing up, and before you know it, the name “little man” will no longer be a term of endearment but will, instead, turn him beet-red should I dare to utter it in front of his friends.

“Why, oh why, can’t he just be little like this forever?”

As quickly as the words escaped my lips, I was reminded of how much my little guy makes me smile. Just the other night, I told him we only had time to read a “short, little bedtime story.” He promptly brought me two books, laid them on my lap and exclaimed, “Here mommy, dis one is short and dis one is little!” Not a day goes by when he doesn’t throw his arms around me in a giant munchkin squeeze, snuggle his soft little nose into my neck and whisper, “I so glad you’re my mommy.” It absolutely melts my heart.

This is certainly not the first instance in which I have made the wish for him to stay little forever. I wished it when he was born. I wished it on his first birthday. I wished it when he first started walking and talking. I have wished it during those precious little moments that I just never wanted to end.

But the reality is, if he had stayed “like this forever” when he was born, I would have missed the joy and pride that surges through me whenever he calls me “Mommy.” If he had stopped changing after he turned one, he wouldn’t be able to greet me in genuine, toddler enthusiasm, running as fast as his roly-poly legs can go, every time I come home. If he had halted all milestones after his first words and movements, I would be missing out on all of the sweet, funny characteristics and personality traits that become more and more apparent every day through his words and actions.

So, today, I make a resolution not to ever wish for time to stand still or go backwards, but to cherish and love every moment with my little ones just as it is. Every minute and milestone that I love about today is a reminder that there are even more wonderful memories yet to be made. Every change that tomorrow will bring promises to hold just as much joy and laughter as the current moments. After all, some changes are for the better – and some are just a continuation of what is just so perfect about right now.

Christina Ruhlig
Just Between Friends North Tampa
 

Christina's "little man"...

Comments

Christina- Thanks so much for sharing this with us! I feel like you are reading what has been on my mind all day. I NEED to go though my little guys clothes again and get them ready for the upcoming sale, but I keep putting it off. He continues to wear belly revealing, crop-top looking shirts and high-water pants... I guess I just need to deal with it and get moving. I know he doesn't stop moving... Thanks again! Julie

Julie Reece, Monday, March 01, 2010

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When my son was 10 he came and sat on my lap and said "mommy, can I just stay 10 forever?". When I aske dhim why he said "So that I can always sit on your lap". My son is now 25, 6'4" tall and weighs 230 pounds. He still sits on my lap!!!! I guess the point is, that EVERY single age your children become leads to a new adventure. I am now a first time grandma reliving all the GREAT memories I had when my children were growing up. It is such a pleasure to see every little thing that my granddaughter is doing. From the little smiles in her sleep to the first real smile for grandma. She is only 4 weeks old and we are not there yet. I am enjoying EVERY moment and will treasure all of these moments until the day I die!

Debi, Thursday, March 04, 2010

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Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story. I can relate 100%...I think tha same everytime my little man does something new or when someone says "he is getting so big"!!! :(

Tamatha Martin, Sunday, April 11, 2010

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