Let’s Celebrate The “Last Times”

We always celebrate the “first times.” The “first” words our children say. The “first” time they crawl, and the “first” step  they take. We should definitely celebrate these “first times.”

But what about the last? Do you remember the “last time” your child sat on your lap? The “last time” you laid in the bed with them until they fell asleep? The “last time” you read a story to them? The “last time” you changed their pamper. Probably not.

The “last times” slip in and happen so innocently, that often, these times are overlooked. There are no celebrations. We don’t run to our friends and declare excitedly, “hey the ‘last time’ I nursed my baby was last night. No, it just quietly happens. the “last times” quietly come and go. Often, it is years before we notice that the “last time” came and went.

So, stop wishing your child will stop asking for “another story” it will happen. You, will find yourself asking them, do you want a story? They will say “no”. There will come a time when your child refuse to sit on your lap. Not only will your child not ask you for a cup of water, they will get their cup of water, and yours as well.

The “last times.”

Even now, it’s happening/ Today you did something for the “last time” for your child. You didn’t notice it was the “last time,” because you don’t know it was the “last time”.

Enjoy the little things that you do for your child, in fact, for anyone. While it seems that your child’s dependence on you is eternal, it is not. If you are blessed, your child will walk away as a young adult, and no longer require your attention. Don’t worry, they may return with grandchildren.

The cycle will start all over again. You will not notice the “last times” of your grandchildren, but they will quietly come and fade unceremoniously into the past. So enjoy this day, and all of the little things you are doing for your child.

What was the most recent “last time” experience you had with your child?