Growing up, young girls had one possible line of cash: babysitting. I never really got into it. In the early 80’s, there was no Netflix, cell phones, internet and, for that reason, babysitters truly earned their measly wage (usually 2 bucks an hour). We played board games and dress up and went on bike rides and played in yards. Being a make-shift parent was exhausting. Let’s face it, parents leave the lives of their most treasured children in the hands of someone making less than a worker at McDonalds and the last time I ever did it, the couple came home drunk and late, and I was scared straight. Fast forward to college where I became a teacher (some days, it was a form of babysitting 😊), and again, found myself surrounded by kids. This felt different and I knew I was making a difference in the lives of some of these young kids…it was preparing me for having kids of my own.
Last weekend, we moved Will out and into adulthood. At 22, he now has his own apartment, cell phone bill, insurance and 401k. It is a celebration and a heartbreak, all at once. I have so many memories of this boy, but about 2 weeks ago, the only thing on my mind was lipstick and a dress. You see, as a very young boy (maybe 4), he decided and was very vocal about telling me what he wanted me to wear to “programs” at school: lipstick and a dress. Only William! I never really understood it, except to say that I typically wore that to church or out to special events with CTDad and his thought was, “This is big stuff…you need to be your very best, Mom!”. After all, our kids want our acceptance and appreciation and to feel loved. Sometimes those things take extra effort on our part as parents, but I am telling you (with tears in my eyes) that it is WORTH IT. Take the time to figure out what is important and make it happen.
You see, a couple of weeks ago we were informed (in typical Will fashion) that he was having his final project for his EE degree at CU…his capstone. Gone are the days of back to school nights, Christmas concerts, Field day and so much more. I found myself going into my closet and YES…in Boulder (where jeans and an expensive sweatshirt is dressing up), I pulled out a black dress and heels, wiped on a swipe of lipstick and headed out the door to what would be my last run at a “school program”. I’m not sure he even noticed, but I did. I knew that somewhere deep down, I needed that one last chance to head to school with my lipstick and a dress and, more importantly, a smile thinking about all of the proud adventures of being a Mom.
Savor the moments,
CoffeeTalkMom
