I became a parent. I was not prepared. I was young. (Sometimes I felt that my 13-year- old neighbor would have been better prepared, at least she had experience with kids.)  We’d been married less than two years and I was the first of my friends to move into the ‘hood (parenthood, that is). It all came so suddenly.

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade a single moment in the last six years for all the vacations that I am sure I missed because of the unexpected second blue line on that test. Now, we don’t take fancy trips, we have small adventures…trips to the zoo, the park, the forest, the yard, pretty much anywhere turns into an adventure. My world is no longer colored by my own perceptions and experiences, but guided by the innocence of eager and curious little ones. I get to experience life again with these little people. It is no longer all about me (though sometimes I have to check myself). I am so grateful and in awe of the opportunity that I have to shape and grow these wild, excited boys into honorable, respectful men.

As I reflect on the last six years, I can’t help but wonder about the next six… How much longer will he want to kiss me goodbye, goodnight, good morning? How many more opportunities will I have to hold him in my arms? What will it be like when he won’t dress up to go the grocery store (Spiderman, red power ranger, cowboy)?

I try to savor these fast and fleeting moments, amidst the chaos and activity of daily life. I have only a moment to spend with these precious children before they begin their own journey. Am I prepared? Are they? Do I really get a front row seat for all of this? Awesome.