amazed at how time flies

'They' used to say it all the time when I was a new mom..."one day you'll wake up and they'll be grown". Well, today I woke up and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, 'they' were right. I am looking at the cap and gown that belongs to our oldest child, Natalie. Friday morning, she will walk across the stage and receive her diploma while her mother tries to control the tears that won't seem to stop. See, I cry at the first few notes of 'Pomp and Circumstance'. I always have! There will be tears of joy and pride at what my daughter has accomplished and what lies ahead for her. But, there will also be tears of sadness and regret. Sadness that the days of tea parties and swing sets and barbies and slumber parties are gone for good. Regrets that I didn't appreciate and enjoy it more for the fleeting moments that it was there. Someone once said that for a young mom the days crawl by, but the years fly by. I am no longer a young mom and the days are no longer crawling by. For once, I just want to go in slow motion...drink in every moment...appreciate the beauty and grace of the young woman God entrusted me with and be amazed at God's grace that taught me how to be a mother.