48 Hours From Now

48 hours from now, my son will be ending his first day away at college. 

It all started with the words, "Did you know you're pregnant?"  I can't stop thinking about that moment.  Time stood still.  Then, once the initial shock wore off, time resumed and went faster, and faster and here we are, 19 years later.

48 hours from now, I'll be in my room, crying into my pillow.

His first day of kindergarten was so fun.  We had a nice breakfast and packed his "Elmo" lunch bag together.  I'd put in carrots, he'd put in an extra cupcake.  I'd take out the cupcake, he'd put in his favorite "Matchbox" car.  The drive to the school was full of laughing and excitement.  Holding hands, we walked to the door.  I was given a hug, an "I love you mommom", and off he went, taking my heart with him.

48 hours from now, my son will be unpacking his clothes, and organizing his dorm.

When the orthodontist put the braces on, he was not happy.  His teeth hurt, the inside of his mouth was sore, but the milkshake he had on the way home really hit the spot.  Of course he didn't want to go to school the next day.  He went, and was much happier once he saw his buddy just had braces put on too.

48 hours from now, I'll be checking the calender and marking when Thanksgiving break starts.

Sports were such a big deal.  Track and field is his passion. He did play basketball and baseball though.  When his school started a football team, he was right there.  The day he made a home run, the only one of the game, he had a smile on his face for a week.  Everyone was cheering and yelling his name.  What a great day that was for him.

48 hours from now, my son will be in his dorm, on his computer, telling his girlfriend how great it is to be in college.

The night of graduation, he looked fantastic.  So tall in his cap and gown, his many ribbons and awards hanging from his neck.  I was so proud I almost burst.  One part of his life ended.  He walked out of the building through the same doors he had walked in on his first day.  As I stood there realizing the irony, he turned around.  He gave me a hug, an "I love you mom", and off he went with his friends, still holding onto my heart.

48 hours from now, I'll be missing him so much, but so proud of the man he's become.  He'll always have my heart, but I'll always have his smile, his laughter, and his love.   

Appreciate Them Just a Bit More

My husband leaves for work with a quick kiss and a "bye see ya' tonight" from me.  It's as routine as getting out of bed in the morning.  No big deal.  I'll add the occasional "be safe" but not often.  I've become used to his leaving and returning home at the same time, 5 days a week, for the past 10 years.

Our phone conversations would end with an "I love you babe, I love you too, see you soon" 10 years ago.  Now it's a quick "Love ya bye". 

My best friend, my sister at this point in our lives, was on the phone this evening with her truck driver husband.  Due to a storm that hit, his truck rolled over - while she was on the phone with him.  Talk about panic!

This morning they had a typical "love you, love you" conversation just like we all did.  After spending a frantic 3 hours with her tonight, and hearing his voice on the phone saying he was alright, I realized how much I don't appreciate the fact that my husband, son, mother, friend etc. could walk out the door with a "see ya' later" as we all do, and that may very well be the last words we hear.

We need to appreciate them just a bit more. 

My husband comes straight home from work.  He doesn't come home drunk, smelling of stale cigarettes and the stank from "Patty Pole Pumper" that he's watched put a pole in places it was never made for.  He's tired, and a bit crabby, but when you work in hell like he does (a hot stinky overflowing maximum security prison)  he's entitled to a little crabby.

It's an absolute miracle my friend's husband made it out of his truck without a scratch.  I won't forget this event any time soon. 

Appreciate what you have.  You may not have it much longer.