Changing Seasons
Posted: Sunday, July 06, 2008
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
We are in the process of moving…funny, I don't remember having this much junk when we moved in 10 years ago.
It's amazing all the emotions that come with moving, there is the excitement of the new things to come and then there are the tearful moments that come upon you before you even realize tears are streaming down your face.
You must be thinking; what a scatterbrain, why not do one room at a time? Well, here in lies my issue. At first, I am happy and then the realty of what I am really doing kicks in. Trying to avoid the inevitable, I move on to the next task, hoping for a different outcome.
No such luck.
Therefore, I decided to take a break. As I wandered toward my bedroom through the maze of boxes, I came across a special book entitled: "Ten Reasons why you are the best Parents in the World!"
This is a book our children wrote and gave to us for Christmas 2000. Naturally, I had to read it. Here it is--exactly as written. You will need to use your imagination to see the drawings that accompany each reason.
# 1 – You always help us when we are sick!
Do you need anything? No thank you dad & mom.
# 2 – You always do what you tell us yore going to do.
Pictures of smiley faces and what appears to be a dog.
# 3 – You always say sorry when we get in to a argument.
# 4 – You are always there for us!
Do you want me to pick you up from school today? Yes please!
# 5 – You always take care of us!
We heart you!
# 6 – You always help us with our school work!
Do you need help? Sure! (No smiley faces in this drawing.)
# 7 – You are always nice to us.
More smiley faces
# 8 – You always forgive us when we have done something wrong!
That's ok, don't do it again alright! Sorry mom.
# 9 – You always forgive us wen we get in a konflik.
Mean and crazed out faces with red eyes and snarled teeth.
#10 – You always make time for us!
Sure, but after I'm done here! Do you want to play a board game?
"It would take all the papper in the world to list all the reasons why you are the best parents in the world but we dont have that mutch papper so i guess we will just show you ok!"
Ah! When did the tears start flowing?
Please don't think I shared this amazing book with you to pat ourselves on the back. After all, the title of this story is Changing Seasons…
The tears bring joy and sadness. Joy, because this book represents a time when our children were young and naive. When they trusted us for all the answers and thought we were the smartest people on Earth. Sadness, because my soon to be 18 year old son, has suddenly realized he knows everything there is to know about life.
Just a few weeks back, we had a "konflik" about the house rules. Can you believe how stupid we are because we won't let him and his girlfriend hang out in his room with the door closed? What nerve!
Our son laid out his plan for the next year; save as much money as he can, move out with a couple of guys, and live his own life. "Not that I don't love you", he assures us. "Oh, and don't worry, I will finish high school."
In all honesty, it's not his failure that concerns me, it's his success. He is a very responsible young man and in many ways wise beyond his years. He works hard, pays his own bills, and stays out of trouble. He has been doing his own laundry since he was 11-years old and he knows how to cook-not even close to a Mama's boy.
My fear is that he won't remember to visit me or call me.
Daughters are different--no matter how far they move, they always stay in touch.
This move is proving to be harder than expected. It represents a season of change for each one of us. One thing I can be proud of; we are a close family and God has blessed us beyond measure. For this, I will choose to let these tears represent joy and excitement for the season that lies ahead.
© Teresa Ortiz
This Article has been viewed 3,153 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentsOkay, Miss L - so when is your book coming out -- I love every single one of your writings; in my opinion, you've got that "it" factor... mmmm... is that why you're Lucy and I'm only Ethel? smile... I can relate very much to this article and cried right along with you!Hi Ethel, everyone knows that Ethel was the one with the real talent :-) My book will come out as soon as the Lord opens the door--I actually settled on a title...we will see. Thanks for the gracious comments and support and for crying with me :-) Love you much!
Teresa, you told this very well in your personal style. A style I enjoy, along with many others. We're happy the house sold and you're finding memories to help you reflect on where you've been as a family and where you've yet to go, as a family. Let the tears flow and continue to give thanks. You are blessed and it ain't over yet. my dear sister! There so much in store for your family. Blessings!
Hi Avis, thanks a million! All the encouragement is much appreciated and needed. I truly am excited about all the "cracked" doors I see and praying about which one is to fly open! Thanks for all of your prayers!! Love and hugs, Teresa
Great article, Teresa. I thought it was a real tear jerker. Keep up the good writing.Thanks Mark, it was one of those time when I just needed to write what I felt. (I have these times quite often.) May God continue to bless you and lead you in the way of righteousness.
Hi Teresa, I can definitely relate and am crying with you. I have three boys of my own and two grandsons. Moving? I have moved more then I care to talk about. My mom thought she was a military wife. Praise the Lord that I am sort of sane. You are blessed and I am sure that will continue. Thanks for the article and I still have drawings from ages ago put away. In love and prayer always.Hi Michelle! Thanks for crying with me (sometimes us mom's need a pitty party). My mom thought the same thing. I went to over 15 different schools by the time I graduated from high school. It is a miracle I graduated! Grandson's wow! You are experienced :-) Thanks for all your encouraging words. May God continue to bless you and lead you in the way of righteousness. So many things came up today--including another round with my son--Lord help me!! So no packing was done tonight. Back to it tomorrow night. We will start moving our stuff out next Tuesday, so after Monday night, I won't be around to much. I just have to store up the articles in my heart and mind :-) Sleep well.
Thank you for sharing. It brings back memories!Hi Jay, thanks for reading and taking a moment to comment. I sure hope they were good memories :-) Welcome to SW, I will check out your bio and read your articles. Blessings to you! Teresa
I found your story sweet, to do with how times change with the growing up of your children. Even if you do not see your son as much as you would like to, I'm sure you will get just as much appreciation of the moment that you have with him. It is in the value of the moment spent together than how often it is achieved.Hi Stacey,
thank you for the kind words. I do appreciate every moment we have together and I know that the he will come back around once he matures a bit more emotionally and realize that he doesn't know as much as he thought he did. Still, I am proud and thought it cuts to the heart, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Blessings to you and thanks for reading. I've missed your writing, so I am going to catch up on some reading :-) Have a great day!
Teresa...Although my children are still at home with me, I see them change each and every day and I know that one day, they, too, will venture out on their own. Like you, I am just grateful that I am so close to them and we are able to experience life together now. After all, now is really all we have so why not enjoy it. Your story was heartfelt and I enjoyed reading it very much. Thank you.Hi Cynthia, thanks for reading and commenting. Time does go fast, so enjoy every moment with them :-)
I'm so glad you enjoyed reading. Blessings to you!
As parents, we always seem to have one quandary or another. We love our children and want them to grow into self-sufficient and responsible adults. On the other hand, what I wouldn't give to keep them young and with me forever. Ok, maybe not forever, but a few extra years!Hi Sarah, You said in 4 sentences what I took a whole article to say :-)Thanks for reading and commenting. I guess we are never satisfied. Being a parent is tough and rewarding. I can't help but wonder if God feels the same about us...
I thought this was a great read. My oldest son is 16 and I know what you're going through. God bless.Hi Roschelle,Thanks for the nice comment and the understanding. 16--I'll say a prayer for you too! :-)
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