I have been thinking a lot lately how quickly life comes full circle, especially after sending Owen off to Kindergarten yesterday. It reminded me of my parents journey thus far in life, and how they have just now come full circle regarding family and child-rearing. My mother & father got married in August of 1977. In their pictures they look so young. (I guess it is always funny to think of your parents having a life before you were born!) I’ve heard stories from them about how much fun they had together. How much they loved spending time with one another.
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In 1979 I came into the world. Now that I have had the experience of a first born, I know what a huge change it had to have been for their relationship. Now their world was focused around caring for a baby. I know from watching my mother interact with my children now, that her nurturing, loving, patient character traits were brought to the fore front when I came into the world. While at the same time, my father’s silly side came through. He always makes everyone smile. I can only imagine what we did together when I was a baby! As my mother has always said, life is never boring when he's around. I have heard that money was tight, as is the case with most new families. But from pictures, I know we were never short on happiness.
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This family photo was taken around 1987. Now that I have three children, I know how hectic things must have been for my parents. We were all so happy together. I remember how fun and carefree my childhood was. And that is the way my parents wanted it to be. They allowed each of us to explore our interests and helped to foster our individual personalities. Family was an important foundation. I remember how important it was to my mother that we always had dinner together, which is something I have made a priority with my children as well. My parents always encoraged us to do our best. Taught us to compassionate about everything we do. All the while, showing us how to love through the relationship they had as husband and wife.
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So that brings us to 2006. My parents now have an empty nest (although my brother comes back once in a while to clean a few more things out of his old room & catch up on laundry!) It is just the two of them. Just like it had been when they first got married 29 years ago. They have been going for long drives, spontaneous trips upcountry, enjoying dinners out. Going to the fair. Evening motorcycle rides. Random visits to see family & friends. They have come full circle. They have raised their family and are now able to rediscover the luxury of the term “just the two of us”. I have learned so much from them and their journey. Through them I have learned traits to make my marriage stronger and stand the test of time. I look forward to my life coming full circle, but I’m not ready any time soon. My circle has just begun and I want to enjoy and savor the journey. The circle of life. What an amazing ride.
