A Mom's Roller Coaster Ride

I've had this motherhood gig for quite some time now. It's been like a two decade long roller coaster ride.  Coming out of the gate, when we first found out we were expecting, was like that moment when the coaster slowly begins to leave the dock...it's hardly moving at all, but there's great expectation knowing a wild ride is just ahead. Through the twists and turns, the mountainous climbs and gut wrenching drops, we have winded our way through parenthood.  There have been times that have made us squeel with excitement and times that have left us begging for someone to please just stop the ride.  


When my oldest sons turned twenty, I thought our coaster was finally coming into the station.  How wrong I was.  Turns out, parenting doesn't quite come to an end just because your children stop being 'kids'.  In fact, somehow the job seems to get more difficult once the stakes go even higher.  



We have spent of a lot of time and energy trying to impart certain values in our sons, trying to equip them with certain life skills.  We have hoped to instill things like a good work ethic, sound judgement, and responsibility into their lives.  Through the years, we have hoped to weave the best parts of ourselves into them so that they could not only avoid the mistakes we've made but also enjoy the overflow of our sucesses.  

We have always attempted to have open and honest communication with our boys about everything...even the complicated things...even the uncomfortable things. We have told them the truth even when it hurt them...or our pride.  


We have tried to set a standard of living for them that is both challenging and achievable.  We have led by example, knowing 'do as I say, not as I do' never works.  They have seen us trip and even fall, but they've also always seen us get back up and keep on moving.  


They understand life isn't always easy or fair or even logical.  They know love is a choice and happiness that's dependent on circumstances is both fickle and fleeting.  They know we expect them to do their best but that our love for them and our joy in being their parents is unconditional.  


This roller coaster ride we're on is far from over.  But now, instead of the five of us sharing one car, all belted in safely together, holding on to one another through thick and thin, the boys...men, in anyone else's eyes...have each moved into their own cars, choosing other co-riders to begin clinging to and trusting in.  And before long, I know they they'll be ready to leave the cover their dad and I have provided and get in line for a whole new roller coaster ride all their own.  That's the way it's supposed to be, and I know it.  But it doesn't make letting them go any easier.