We are closing another chapter in our family book in a few months. We recently celebrated the graduation of our youngest child. Over 20 years in the same school district (whew!). A party was in order, and we hosted well over 100 people on a 92 degree day. We had picture boards, a slushie machine, food to feed an army and lots and lots of cold water available. For all 4 children, I created a memory clothesline. Through the years, I set aside shirts or outfits that were favorites of the child, or something that was just iconic. After collecting the clothes, I would look through my scrapbook albums and pull a picture with them wearing the outfit. For child #4 I actually found all of the pictures this past winter on one of my snow days. I knew how busy it got before each party – so I knew getting it out of the way would be quite helpful. Preparing for a graduation party forces you to travel the road of Kindergarten through Senior year as pictures and mementos are prepared to be displayed. I also hang up every portrait from year one to eighteen and scrapbook pages from the first day of school young fives until Senior year. Now that’s a lot of memories to process – and with child #4 it about broke me.

As the children have grown, I have often struggled with looking back and wishing things were different. Maybe I wish I had handled a situation better, changed my reaction to a problem or just simply wanting the chance to be with my children at a younger age again. Who doesn’t miss the scent of a newborn, the sound of a squeaky toddler’s voice or the feel of a squishy child’s hug? I look at pictures of my four when they were all in elementary school or younger and remember the days when we only did what I planned and it was so very different than the hectic high school days of friends, sports, volunteering and jobs. I have to remind myself that each chapter definitely had its’ ups and downs and that it’s easy to romanticize an age once we are through it. I absolutely love looking through my scrapbooks and remembering all of the years of memories that our family has created. I suggest taking as many pictures as possible. You will never regret being able to revisit an event from the past – pictures transport you immediately back to the event – what a treasure.

Moving forward, as we now begin to cross off needed items for our daughter’s dorm room, we are eagerly anticipating memories yet to be made. What does the next five years have in store for our family? Our house will be quieter as the nest has emptied. Our time together will no longer be daily , but more scheduled. Our relationships will need to be more intentional. I know it may be a difficult year, as change is often uncomfortable, but I also know that we will find many positives in this new chapter we are beginning. Cheers to the future, and all of the joy it will bring!