Monday, September 03, 2007

The 'pain of letting go'...





I have felt it all too 'real' in my life- the ultimate pain of 'letting a loved one go'. It is something that tugs at my heart everyday since Teagan's death. I had no idea how much this same feeling- this sense of giving up and moving on and realizing that change is inevitable would grip my heart just because school is about to begin. But that's what my heart is feeling. I know that the start of a school year and sending kids off to kindergarten and third grade does not begin to compare to the depth and nature of death, but still, there are a lot of memories flooding my mind as the summer draws to a close and the school year begins.
I so clearly remember some of the conversations I had with Teagan just days before she died unexpectedly- she was just weeks away from starting preschool for the first time. I wasn't ready for that to happen- she was my oldest (age 4) of three kids at that time...and I was fearing having to 'give her up' and share her time elsewhere. I remember thinking I wish I could just stop time and hold her forever. Little did I know that I would wish that same wish every night for months to come. My heart ached constantly and wanted her back...I missed everything about her- even saying her name. I still do. And sometimes I whisper her name throughout the day...just because it makes me smile.
There is something so strong, so unspeakable about the love of a mother and her children, and in today's world where there is often so much uncertainty and unexpected circumstances that can arise, that it is a wonder any mom's {and dad's too!} send their kids anywhere. Don't get me wrong. I am thrilled with the school my kids are attending, and I wouldn't send them somewhere I didn't know and trust them to go, but there is a part of a mother's heart that just wants to hold on forever. Especially when I've already let go once...I understand the reality of life and how quickly the days are fleeting and I know that my kids won't be 'mine' forever.
I am excited that they are about to start a new phase in their lives. I can't hardly believe that Wyndham is going to kindergarten and I am anxious to see what she will prove to us she can do with this next challenge.
Like one of our best friend's says, "Sometimes I wish I could just flip to the end of the story of your lives...cause I just can't imagine how it's going to turn out." I feel the same way at times. Except for moments like these...as I sit on the edge of the next phase...and a part of my heart just wants to lay the book down and savor this chapter for as long as I can.
I know there is more...more adventure, more fulfilment, more learning, more joy, more challenges, and more grace for the journey. But that means this moment has to turn into a memory. A piece of our history. I know full well that means I have to let go...time moves on. You might not know it from the looks of it on this blog, but I am a bit "old-fashioned" and I LOVE my kids and the messes they make and the songs we sing and I enjoy washing their clothes and helping them get breakfast and lunch and dinner, and going outside and reading books and...
Now I have to share them with someone else for a good portion of their week. I wish I weren't so selfish. I know I've got some growing to do of my own.
I have a feeling that I'm going to be whispering more names during the course of my days in the next few weeks. Don't call me crazy. I have a feeling a lot of you might be doing the same. You know what I'm talking about...and it's okay. It's all part of letting go.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm right there with you!!!

Kirsten said...

Girl, you do have a way of getting me. Every. Single. Time. We go to meet the teacher this morning for my little one this morning, tomorrow I will have an empty house. And my big one just got his license and has spent more time out and about than home the last two weeks. You are most certainly NOT crazy.

JYJiggy4JC said...

Oh Jody...you have been on my mind very much the last few days. We go through this every year when the kids go back to school. Olivia and my nephew Cody (who passed in 2000) were only a few months apart. When I see her doing the things that she does, it is always with a stab of what we are missing with Cody. What would he look like, what would he like to be doing (Olivia LOVES soccer)...just all of that joy and sorrow meeting in the same place. That is what I think is the hardest part for my sister and I...but like you said earlier this week I would not wish him back here for a moment knowing that he is sitting at the feet of Jesus. Just know that I am thinking of you and praying for you and wish I lived closer so I could give you a squeeze.

jewell said...

My kids are now in 6th, 9th, and 10th and as I left them at school today I had a big lump in my throat.

Anonymous said...

Crying as I read this. I am in awe at your strength - and your faith in God. Thank you so much for sharing this and teaching all of us.

... said...

Okay, you've got me crying again! Luv Ya! Hugs,(I need one )
:)

a friend to knit with said...

oh jody, i can't imagine how you feel.....i do hate sharing my kids with others......i had the same feeling when charlie left this little nest and went to preschool......and again this year when he started middle school...leaving us again... at the elementary school.....Really, i can't imagine the pain of letting go of your kids every single day....
i think about you often...big hugs....