Do you recall the feeling of wishing you were older? I certainly do. As a child, I often found myself longing for the next stage of life. In fifth grade, I dreamed of dating, and by middle school, I couldn’t wait for high school. Fast forward to freshman year, and I was already wishing to be a senior. I wanted a cell phone, a driver’s license, and the freedom to make mistakes—believe me, I made plenty.
As I reached my senior year, my sights were set on college, dreaming of freedom and success in the equestrian world. So, I packed my bags and moved to Kentucky right after graduation. The wishing didn’t end there, though. I met someone special and soon found myself wishing for a family. That wish came true with the arrival of my son, who has made me want to hit the emergency stop button on life—figuratively, of course!
At just shy of four years old, my son often declares, “When I get big and strong…” This familiar phrase is part of the childhood motivational mantra:
- You should eat your dinner; it will help you be big and strong.
- Play outside! Run, jump, and have fun; it’ll help you get big and strong.
- Get plenty of sleep and drink water; someday, you’ll be big and strong!
And so, a child with dreams of being bigger emerges. While the mantra plays a part, it’s also influenced by his father, who towers at 6-foot-4 and is undeniably strong. Witnessing his dad mow the lawn or construct a massive playhouse with his own hands, it’s no wonder our son aspires to emulate him. He loves baking with me but feels he isn’t “big enough” to crack eggs yet. Recently, he looked up at my husband, eyes wide with hope, saying, “Daddy, I can’t wait to be as tall as you!” My husband knelt down, looked him in the face, and reassured him, “Buddy, it’s perfectly fine to be little right now.” Our son, of course, disagreed.
This yearning for growth is something we all experience. Even as I approach 30, I find myself wishing to look younger, lamenting dark circles under my eyes and the inevitable signs of aging. My life has been a cycle of wishing for the next stage, from childhood to now, where I sometimes wish I could pause time and savor these fleeting moments.
So, to my son: You are already so big and so strong, just as you are. Life is wonderful right now, and you’re transitioning from toddlerhood into boyhood. Embrace who you are—the baby I wished for and the boy I will always cherish.
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this post on home insemination kits. If you’re interested in expert advice on family planning, I recommend visiting Emily Carter, RN, CNM, MSN, MPH, who offers valuable information on this topic. Additionally, the NHS provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, wishing for the future can distract us from the beauty of the present. Let’s embrace where we are today and appreciate the journey.
SEO metadata: