Part of parenthood is the hardness of watching your children go through stages and enter into others. There is an excitement in this but the tough part probably comes from some kind of insecurity in knowing that while the kids are growing up - it also means that you are too.
Sierra now knows that Santa is not real. While that brings an excitement into the whole new process of teaching what the REAL meaning of Christmas is - it also has a very hollow sense of the end of "childhood" for her. Knowing full well that her childhood is not over by any means, it is just a real sign that she is growing up. Added to that is the way that she found out. Without going into details, it leaves a sense of "stealing the moment".
On another note - JB rode the bus from school today ALL BY HIMSELF. He was adamant. His mom and I were very hesitant, but finally gave in. We won't mention the fact that I still went to the school at the very same time I (we) always do just to sit on the sidelines (out of eyesight of him) and made sure that he got to the bus. Since my lunch hour on the weeks that we have them is usually spent having lunch with him, I decided that I had plenty of extra time. So what did I do? I followed the bus like some insecure, no trusting parent (and loved every minute of it). In fact, I now have pictures on my phone of the back of the bus with our favorite five-year-old being his usual trouble making self playing hide and seek with his new found five or six-year-old friend sitting in the seat in front of him.
I haven't written in a while (much to my wife's dismay). Not sure that I have had anything strong enough to write about until now. It truly seems that today is the end of an innocence era. There will be more eras, but one ended today.
BRB
Thursday, January 10, 2008
End of an Innocence Era
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3 comments:
I just sat down at the computer to do some work while you are in reading to JB. I had to get my glasses on because I thought I was going blind. Is it true? Did you REALLY post on our blog? :)
I know tonight was tough, but you handled it so well.
You are a great daddy and there are four kids that love you beyond belief! One I hear laughing with you right now. You did good :)
I love you.
KB
Brett, Loved reading your comments. You can't know the absolute joy and fun of watching your own kids be good parents. I remember many of the feelings you wrote about as I parented. Fearful, yet fun; scary, yet exciting. Lots of mixed emotions.
I can't wait to hear how Sierra made her big discovery.
I check your blog every morning to see if one of you have written. Thanks to both of you for keeping us posted. Kelly, your posts are great! You're a good writer.
MB
Brett,
What a great moment to be frozen in words so others [like me] can enjoy it. It brings back many.. never to be forgotten experiences of growth.. [for both child and parent as you so well put it] that I had as a Dad.
I'll spare you the reciting of those times that are in my head right now as I type as it would take away from this one you've shared. But I have to say thanks for telling of your moment and the ones it reminded me of in my own past. I agree with Kelly..you ARE a great Dad.
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