For every last time your heart swells because your child writes his letters backward and sideways, comes the heart melt of receiving a handwritten birthday card replete with big words expressing why he loves you
For every last time you tie a shoe, comes the pride of watching your child figure out how to use little hands to twist and turn floppy strings into a knot
For every last time you pack a lunch with a love note, comes the sentimental awareness that your child knew for years how special she was
For every last clap at a recital, comes the exhilaration of seeing your child accomplish a dream
For every last cheer at a sporting event, comes the gratitude for having ever been able to watch and encourage
For every last time your child asks for help with homework, comes the gratitude for his ability to figure problems out for himself
For every last time you drop your tween off, comes the first time she takes the wheel with confidence because you instilled a sense of self-worth and inner courage
For every last hug after your child receives a diploma, comes the hope-filled anticipation of his new life beginning
In the end, having a litany of lasts means we had and have a boatload of firsts. Therein lies the blessing. Twofold.
Embrace the lasts and feel the love, sweet Mommas!
This post originally appeared on shelbyspear.com
