Friday, January 9, 2009

Observation

Last night Precious Oldest and four of her friends had a diner party for their high school debate coach. Their former coach is a gifted teacher and excellent mentor. She had a positive and undeniable and impact on these girls, now off at college in several states. She’s the teacher they all stop to visit when they come back to town.

I sat in the kitchen with a cup of tea while they the girls cooked; I was there for consultation only. They were pretty well organized and needed little help from me. Once their little party was under way the Saint and I went out to grab some dinner.

While we were out we ran into a few folks and didn’t return for a couple of hours. When we got back they were all still sitting at the dinning room table laughing and finishing dessert. The kitchen was clean, the dishwasher was running and they had fixed a plate for Precious Youngest who joined them when she got home from work.

Parenting is a hard job. This raising your children, from the time they are babies, to leave you. There is no grade card, no performance review. God knows your kids won’t tell you whether or not you’re doing it right. But there are moments. Moments when, as a parent, you realize you’ve done a good job. Last night was one of those moments.

10 comments:

Dysd Housewife said...

I'm feeling this too. my oldest is 20, and she hasn't NEEDED me for some time. SIGH. Unless of course she can't pay her rent..THEN she's all about "needing mom" LOL

Anonymous said...

How wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

I took two dishes of enchiladas to Shortman's Spanish class on Monday. As I walked in, the teacher was calling him, "Smallville".

Now, Shortman is not short, nor is he small. It ended up that it's a play on our last name - but seeing the teacher (who clearly dotes on him, after only a month!) teasing him goodnaturely and him accepting it, made me feel all gooey inside.

Good parents=good children. You can't argue with success. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I hope one day that my girls turn out as well as yours.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

You are so right.

Debie Napoleon said...

This is just wonderful. I recently went through this with my darling son watching him comfort his girlfriend after her father passed away. It was almost an out of body experience to watch.

It's a good feeling to be proud of our children.

Cindy said...

give yourself a big pat on the back. That is an amazing accomplishment you should be very proud of!! You're obviously a wonderful role model to your girls.

Holly (me.) said...

That's a warm-fuzzy image. I can only imagine... and live vicariously through your blog, of course!

Madame Queen said...

I hope I can do as well as you have obviously done!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! You DID do well--I know exactly what you mean about those moments.

Lanie said...

My daughter is only 7 but I'm imagining similar occasions in her future. Except for the part where she goes away to college and leaves me behind. I can't deal with that yet!