How Many Summers Did I Miss?

They say you only have 18 summers of childhood to spend with your children. When they’re born, that feels like an absolute eternity. All those that have navigated the journey before you all exclaim that it goes by so fast. I remember smiling when people told me how fast it will go after my son was born and, in a disengaged manner, I remember smiling and agreeing. 

Well, here I am with less summers than fingers on one hand and I’m having a moment! It goes too fast and, if I’m honest, I want some of that time back. I want to make more memories; I want to be more patient; and I want to not get on him for small stuff. 

I had ideas on Pinterest boards for lunch box notes and valentines gifts for his class. I daydreamed about trips in other countries and the pictures we’d take.

Turns out, my life is far more complex than Pinterest boards and cute ideas on my iPhone. If I don’t really guard my time and budget my money to make the memories I pinned and jotted down, it just won’t happen!

Well, we’re here now, so I’ve got to figure out how to finish better than when I started.

I am clinging to these few thoughts as we make the most of the summers left:

1. On spending time together - Improve the quality, don’t just aim for quantity.

2. On hard days and seasons. - Take a few deep breaths, be firm with your boundaries, and generous with your love.

3. On imperfect parenting and regret - Keep going. There’s never been a perfect parent. Just get better!

Thinking about how many summers you may have missed? Well, don’t count. Count on making the most of the time you have left! I know I will.

You’ve got this, mom and dad!