Who knew growing up, that someday I would want time to slow down? Who knew that as an adult, with adult responsibilities, that time would seem to simply speed up? I had no clue, as an adult that I would have deadlines, and appointments to make, goals to meet and time consuming tasks that brought about no pay! I remember at 16, I wanted nothing more than to graduate high school, and be on my own. In my freshmen year of college, I wanted the classes to fly by so my boyfriend could pick me up out front. I wanted to sit on his porch laughing and joking with him and all his neighborhood friends, no worries, no fears, no deadlines, no rush. I am learning as an adult, time is more precious, fragile, direct and guided.

Fast forward to present and now my two daughters wish time flew by like I once did. Ahhh man, two weeks to Valentines’s Day? Ahhh man, three more months until summer break? Oh, the mind of a child! How I wish they would be my babies a little while longer. I often watch them as they submerge themselves in various tasks, and I have to fight back tears. For my oldest daughter, who is now 6, Pre-k graduation brought tears, kindergarten brought pure sobs and strange looks from other parents. Now, half way through first grade, reading me books, using my laptop, telling me jokes,showing me dances, and showering alone. Where did the time go? I can barely finish writing this blog thinking about all the milestones they have met and all the things yet to come. My three year old who was once too short to wash her own hands can now do this task alone. She dresses herself each morning, puts on her own coat, hat and shoes. She knows her colors, and shapes can identify nearly all the alphabet. She often looks up at me with pure joy, so proud of all she can do. “Look mommy, I did it by my own self!” I look at her and laugh becasue I still sometimes see the baby I just brought home, three short years ago.  They don’t need me to do everything anymore, as now my oldest can help her little sister and together they achieve the things they used to call me for. Together it seems, they can do anything!

Sometimes it seems, I am an emotional mess! Does every parent feel this way at some point? I now understand what my parents always says ” Cherish it, because they grow up so fast.” So true. So, I have learned in my short adult life, time waits for no one. Slow down, breathe. I now

My girls!

smile more for no reason, hug more, kiss more and dance in circles with my girls a little longer before bed. Time will pass regardless, I now know it is what you do with it that matters the most.

Learner, Thinker, Writer: Joella Blossomgame serves Trinity School as Chef/Manager of the ChefAdvantage lunch program.