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Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mothers Day!

I’m sure everyone is aware that this Sunday, May 8, is Mother’s Day. This is the day moms are supposed to get breakfast in bed, flowers, original macaroni necklaces, and homemade cards. My personal opinion is that every day is Mother’s Day and should be celebrated in a big way!

However, this Mother’s Day is especially significant for me. This is my last Mother’s Day before I officially become an empty-nester. My daughter is graduating from high school in a few weeks and then off to CU in August, and my son is currently a junior at West Point and graduating next year. After that he’ll post somewhere in the world for the next five years or longer.

The craziest thing is that I knew this day would come someday, but I’m kind of stunned that it’s actually here. Yes, we have a few more months until we actually drop off our daughter at college, but it feels like we’re on some kind of surreal parenting farewell tour. We’re experiencing a lot of “lasts”…and this is the last time I’m guaranteed a Mother’s Day with at least one of my children at home. It’s so weird!

We’re also taking our “last” family vacation (for a while) to Cabo, because I’m not sure when our four schedules will align like this again. We have taken a family vacation every summer since my son was born 21 years ago. Our trips and adventures have taken us to some amazing places such as Long Beach Island, Hilton Head, Wisconsin, Chicago, Michigan, Costa Rica, New York, Vancouver, Phoenix, California, Seattle, and one rip-roaring RV road trip to Lake Powell, Moab, and the Grand Canyon that included a hilarious, death-defying mule ride to the bottom of the Canyon.

We have the most wonderful memories, stories, experiences, and bonding moments that I cherish and wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. It’s hard to believe how fast these 21 years have gone by. I actually became somewhat fanatical when I had lunch with a friend who has young children, and she admitted that her family rarely takes family vacations. She probably thought I had lost my mind, but I emphatically insisted that she do something this summer, and take advantage of the time she has with her family.

I now officially sound like my grandparents who always said, “Time flies when you’re having fun…so enjoy every single second while you can!”

I know the ultimate parenting goal is to raise independent, thoughtful, and kind individuals who will eventually contribute to society in a positive way…but that day always seemed so elusive and so far away. Now that we’re almost there, it’s very bittersweet. I will truly miss the daily interactions, the fun, the hectic schedules, the questions, the chaos, the milestones, the laughter, the sporting events and competitions, and so much more, but I am equally so proud of who they have become as people, and excited for this next chapter in their lives.

They both exercise good judgment and sound decision-making skills. They have always surrounded themselves with positive people and good friends, and are confident in their abilities to advocate for themselves and resolve conflict. As they venture out into the world, I know they are equipped with the tools, knowledge, skills, and experiences to be successful.

I have said many times that my family will always be my greatest accomplishment, but not my only accomplishment.

Mother’s Day is one of those milestone days that cause us to reflect and think about what is truly important in our lives. As women, we wear so many different hats and perform so many different roles in our lives…woman, wife, mother, sister, best friend, speaker, author, career coach, professional, executive, volunteer, entrepreneur, or world leader. I am extremely fulfilled and passionate about what I do professionally, but nothing will ever compare to my favorite, and most rewarding, title…MOM.

Happy Mother’s Day!!

 

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