He Won't Be This Small for Long

Written By: Felecia Causey

Photography By: Felecia Causey 

You want to know how much time has passed; look at your child. He won't want to be held like a baby or have his little hands held in yours; therefore, the days of him sitting in your lap or holding his hands will eventually come to an end. He'll grow up so quickly that one day the small boy you used to look down on will be so tall that he'll be looking down at you. Your son's heart will open as a result of your nurturing of his emotions, enabling him to communicate his sentiments and develop empathy.

A mother knows that although her son will learn to be independent, with her loving support, he will become the young man she would desire her daughter to meet. Parents will make mistakes, because no one is perfect. I believe that my role as a mother has a huge effect on the way my son is raised. We want to be involved in every tiny detail of his life, but at an early age, I had to learn that self-restraint in setting boundaries is very important.

As parents, we are instinctively protective. We want to keep him from getting sick, getting their feelings hurt, and not failing.  I am learning that, although I love him, I must not be intrusive. I once heard one of my favorite actors say, “A mother is a son’s first love."  I believe that.

 

You think you have all the time in the world to get all the snuggles, watch cartoons, and get sweet kisses, but when “you blink your eyes,” they grow up so fast. The light of your life and the one you would lay your life down for must grow up. We must no longer focus on what we can no longer do with them but look toward the future. As many mothers may live in denial, your little boy is growing up before her eyes.

As you get a front row seat, of seeing him grow up, you will have in your mind that he is still your precious little baby that you brought home from the hospital. 

A mother will get a slap-in-the-face reminder that she doesn't control time. It’s hard to remember how fast the first smiles, laughs, crawls, and walks will seem like ages ago. Try not to waste time focusing on bad things,but make memories of the joyous milestones. I am an advocate of family taking photos, capturing all the moments will one day be very important. You cannot go back in time, so live every day and treasure the moments. 

 

It will bring you to tears to think of the amazing young man he will grow to be.

“Mom, cherish now; it goes by so fast. Be sure you soak it in. All you can do is pour love into him so that one day he will walk his own path confidently and securely. As hard as it is, you will have to let go as he becomes independent, celebrate, and know you did your best.”