“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” – Sophia Loren
This quote struck a chord with me as I have spent much of the past 22 years of my life “thinking twice”. (I think it’s what Oprah might call an “Ah-ha moment”.)
This has been one of the most significant shifts in my life over the past year – with grown children, you don’t need to think twice, or at least not often. And yet, I continue to struggle with that change. It explains the feeling of loss that new empty nesters express – you have lived your life for and with your children. And sometimes, overnight, a vacuum is created. Some people love it while others take some time to adjust.
I don’t regret or resent the time spent raising my children, putting them on a level field with my needs, or even putting their needs ahead of mine. There are times I wish I had developed greater outside interests, pursued other opportunities, but I know in my heart that being with my children always did and always would trump any other activity or opportunity.
I know, beyond a doubt, that my children want me to think about myself first and foremost now. And yet, there are many times that they need some help and I am pleased to have the opportunity to return to familiar territory.
So, as we head into Mother’s Day 2012, I realize I am growing into this new life. Slowly but surely.
What a lovely post. My children are still at home, and it will be a while before they leave. They are almost adults, but I know they won’t be going anywhere for a while. My neighbours have 4 children, and last year, they all got married and they all moved out, so in the space of 10 months they went from a full house to an empty one, I think she found it very hard.
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Oh my gosh…4 to none….that would be so hard!
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With three young ones at home it’s hard to imagine where you’re at but I know the time goes fast. Thanks for the glimpse into the future.
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In the blink of an eye….
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