"It is good to have an end to journey toward,
but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
-Ernest Hemingway
"The Journey"
University City Train Station
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I've been on a 29 year journey. A 29 year journey that is going to take an abrupt turn in two days. In two days I will Chinese Fire-Drill my way from the driver's seat to the back seat. Thing #1 is getting married. God bless my soon-to-be Thing #1.1, as my journey with my son has often had me wishing upon him a Thing just like him. My wedding gift to my daughter-in-law should be a lifetime supply of hair color, should my wish (and karma) become true. Instead, I will wish upon her more patience and good sense than I had along my journey.
The journey has been bumpy. It has been adventurous. It has been fun. It has been maddening. It has had some "I don't like you" moments. But it has always been full of love. The journey has molded and defined both of us. Along the way I have thanked God for the gift. But I have also thanked the creators of central air conditioning so that my windows remained shut, and the neighbors couldn't hear my yelling at times. I do not profess for one moment to have been a perfect parent. It is a journey. And I do not profess one moment to have the perfect son. It is a journey. What I most definitely DO profess is having a son whom I am so immensely proud of the man he has become. Angst, and grey hair, sometimes pay off in dividends. And I will also tell you that Thing #1 has the beginnings of a bald spot himself...I'm sure in which I am to blame.
So in two days, I hand over the steering wheel to the new co-pilots. Marriage, like parenthood, is a journey and not a destination. So many treasures to be found all along the path...not just at the end. May their ride be comprised of few bumps and detours. May their central air conditioning work at full capacity. May their gas tank be full for the long haul. And may they know their parents are available for directions to be yelled from the backseat if needed and asked for.
It's all in the journey. Love ya bunches kiddo.
Here's where I "link up" today.
(click on image for description of Song-ography)
Next Tuesday's Song-ography title is "September Grass" by James Taylor.
Come back and link up!
Sigh. Already wistful today, this has me verklempt. Hugs and continued best wishes for a wonder-full weekend!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful, it surely is, to send a child off as an adult on their own journey in marriage. Positive thoughts and best wishes to the happy couple.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to the young couple - and if history and experience is worth a dime -- the karma and wistful, somewhat threatening curse of "may you one day ... just like you" almost aways comes true - but the upside is that you generally don't complain because you knew it was coming and even recognize dejavu at times.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes as planned this weekend, and that which doesn't, makes for good memories. (off without a hitch rarely occurs).
Best wishes to the soon to be newly-weds!
ReplyDeleteKathy you have such a way with words. You're so open and honest and reveal all the best parts of yourself. God bless your growing family and letting go.
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura. This is such a nice compliment, and it's truly appreciated :)
DeleteI appreciate the honest emotion, heartfelt love and words of wisdom in this post. I imagine your son and his new wife had lumps in their throats more than once as they read it. My very best wishes to them as they set out on this journey.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. As a parent of two grown children with many struggles along the way, and some continuing, I can absolutely relate.
ReplyDeleteOh sweet friend , been where you are...Wishing all the best for your son and his fiance'. Sending hugs to you as you move from the front seat to the back and reminding you that in his heart you are always in the front. Thank you for sharing and for linking up to the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. xo
ReplyDeleteI love this post. Not only is it sweet, but it is reassuring to us moms still in the throes of parenting. Maddening days are normal! I need to be reminded. Wishing you a joyous wedding weekend with your Thing 1 and 1.1.
ReplyDeleteI send my best wishes and hugs to the about-to-be newly weds....history does have a way of repeating itself , I have seen it happen to my children over and over again. But love seems to conquer all.
ReplyDeleteCreative and colorful shot! Love it! Happy weekend. ~
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
I don't even want to go there yet, I can't even begin to imagine my boy going to college with all his issues. Have a wonderful wedding weekend as you pass the baton to the next co-pilot... Sit in first class with a glass of wine!!
ReplyDeleteImpactful occasion. I'd also add the experience of watching Son #1 become a father right before my eyes. Wow!
ReplyDeleteWow - Congratulations on the wedding of your son - A lovely and also a sentimental day - He's starting a family of his own ... You write with such a vivid and wonderful authenticity, Kath! As you write, the journey goes on ... Once a mom, always a mom (and one day maybe a grand mom :)
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful words you found to describe the love you have for your son. I envy you your air condition...All the best for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteOh Kathy, my son is going on a four day school camp in the next couple of months and I can barely get my head a around THAT concept ......... Your words made me teary and even though I don't yet understand fully what your going through, they still made me understand. What a year you have been having.
ReplyDeleteI love your words...congrats on the nuptials. Can't wait to see photos. Xo
ReplyDeleteGreat post and great analogy. BTW, I love the new banner and fall look of your blog.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we don't realize what a wonderful journey it was until we have gone through it and we are looking back. Raising my children was one of the best journeys I ever took. Although they are all married, the journey never ends. Just takes another turn. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann