I blinked and it was done.
Just like they told me.
And as promised, I don’t know at what point the days turned to months and months to years.
All I know is it passed by in a second, yet some times felt like eternity.
School is over, the pair of you are in final stages of A levels, my two gorgeous children, who I have never had to ask to work hard in your life (academically that is – the laundry basket and bed making remain a challenge for one of you.). I know you have got this, I know your future is shining and I don’t even need to worry about how the results will turn out, the beauty of being your parent means I always know it will be ok.
And I know the cord that has kept you close to me for those years that went by oh so quickly is stretching. Life is calling, and it has a loud voice.
And I love that for you. I want you to soak up every second, to see the world and to live for every inch of it. Because the one thing being your mum has taught me, is that days turn to months and months to years, in seconds.
As you eagerly plan a summer of festivals, of life living in another city, a future of independence. I listen on, desperate to pull you back and whisper please don’t go, I’ll miss you – whilst at the same point saying, go, I’ll be here, whenever you need – this is always your home.
I have no regrets, I don’t wish I had held your hand when you were small that one more time, or read another bedtime story, because the evolution of our story has always meant there are more firsts, and those are something to savour and to look towards.
I just wish I could have slowed down time a little, so the days that turned to months and months to years could have passed by a little slower.
How did school end and your adult life begun?
I know there is trepidation, fear about grades and Uni’s and the what happens if.
It will be fine.
I know you have set high standards, and that’s fine.
I know you will be amazing, you always have been.
And I know, although you may not yet, that days turn to months and months to years, in seconds.
I blinked and it was done.
18 years and an entire school life for my first born pair.
Roll on chapter two, we are ready.