This, Too, Shall Pass
Maybe it's being married to Randy for (wow) 15 years. Maybe it's having a kid who is at the "baiting-mom-and-dad-for-sport" stage. Whatever it is, I've found myself saying "this, too, shall pass" quite a bit lately.
Some days it feels like I'm just a hamster on a wheel: Take Matt to school. Work. Go to the grocery store. Work. Call the cable company-orthodontist-cell-phone-company about the question/problem of the day. Go to the drug store. Work. Pick up Matt. Wonder what to make for dinner. Listen to complaints about homework…
I've had too many conversations with my mom friends that go like this: "Isn't school out YET? I'm so sick of homework. The kids are driving me crazy… Yadda, yadda, yadda." We've all done it, right?
Then this morning I saw an elderly man standing in line next to me at the grocery store, holding a beautiful purple-flowered plant in a cute pot. A surprise gift for his wife? I wondered.
"That's such a pretty plant," I said.
"It's a gift for a neighbor who brought me some homemade soup," he replied. "I wanted to say thanks."
There was no wife waiting at home to be surprised by pretty purple flowers. The kids, if there were any, grew up and moved out decades ago.
"This, too, shall pass." How many times had I said those words to myself? To my husband? To my girlfriends?
And I'm right, of course. Kids grow up and move on. Beloved spouses die. This life that I have with Randy and Matt will never again be exactly like it is this week, this month, this year.
I'm no Pollyanna. I know the next time I'm at girls' night out with my mom friends, we won't all be sitting around painting a perfect picture of domestic bliss. We all have challenges and frustrations.
But I want to remember that sweet old man and his purple flowers tonight when Randy comes home from work. I want to focus on the good stuff when I pick up Matt from school and ask about his day. I want to hold them both a little closer and keep in mind that this sweet life I have with them won't last forever.
Because this, too, shall pass.
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Tags: Marriage, moms night out, raising teens, This too shall pass
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You are so right! Thanks for the reminder to FOCUS on the blessings we’ve been given – not just notice them. But, focus on them, appreciate them and give thanks for them.
Cindy, your note made me a little teary. I think I’ve been on the verge of tears this morning since seeing this man. Just made me realize how much I need to slow down and, yes, give thanks.
This is beautiful and true, Kathy. Thanks for sharing this.
Kelly, thanks for the kind words.
Kathy,
it passes all too quickly. My son Randy graduates HS in 10 days. In mid-August, he’s off to college. Life as we know it will not be the same. Believe me, I know how hard the “bad” moments can be — teenagers were created to drive parents nuts, I’m sure. But it’s those unexpected moments – the sudden hug, or head on the shoulder (even when he towers over you), the flashes of maturity and confidence, the compliments about manners or behavior from other parents (who, my kid, the obnoxious one?), that you wind up remembering and treasuring.
I’m having loads of flashbacks these days – it seems as if I was just walking him to his first day of kindergarten… now I’M getting teary!
Lovely,just a lovely post….
Kathy
oh geeze this made me cry, and I am so glad it did! A “kick in the pants” reminder to cherish today….no matter what it brings. Thank you KathY!
Very nice.
Kathy
Kathy, thanks for your sweet note.
And Liz, I know you will be going through all kinds of emotions over the next two months. I’m so glad we’re in touch so you can share them with me. I’m looking forward to hearing all about your family’s transition through this off-to-college time!
As always KS, your words covered me with chills head to toe. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
Oh my goodness, Tessa, you are too kind. Thanks. You truly made my day.