Thursday, May 01, 2008

Memories

Saturday I was home alone as my husband was out of town with some buddies and the kiddos were having a sleepover at Grandma's house. I was cleaning Shelby's bedroom. I had her radio on the local country music station because there was some nasty storms blowing through and I wanted to keep updated on it. I was born and raised in the south so country music is part of my heritage. Unfortunately I have drifted away from the country stations over the years and I listen to more main stream, top 40 music. I heard a song that made me stop and listen. This song was by Trace Adkins and it was called You're Gonna Miss This. Here are the lyrics:

She was staring out the window Of their SUV
Complaining, saying, I cant wait to turn 18
She said, "I'll make my own money"
And I'll make my own rules"
Mama put the car in park
Out there in front of the school
And she kissed her head
And said 'I was just like you"

You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this

Before she knows it
She's a brand new bride
In her one bedroom apartment
And her daddy stops by
He tells her "It's a nice place"
She says "It'll do for now"
Starts talking about babies
And buying a house
Daddy shakes his head
And says "Baby just slow down"

Cause
You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this

Five years later
There's a plumber
Working on the water heater
Dogs barking, phones ringing
One kids crying, one kids screaming
She keeps apologizing
He says "They don't bother me.
I've got two babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
It's hard to believe..."

But
You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this

You're going to miss this
Yeah you're going to miss this

As I picked up broken crayons and baby dolls from the bedroom of my five year old, tears began to stream down my face. Minutes earlier I thought to myself that most women would indulge themselves when given a weekend to themselves whereas I was on my hands and knees cleaning my daughter's room, complaining under my breath that she's too big for me to be picking up after her. The words to this song hit me hard. I held a barbie doll in my hand thinking to myself that one day I would look back on those dolls, the shows, the annoying cartoons, the tears, the fights, and all that comes with motherhood and wonder where the time had gone. One day, I too was "gonna miss this". I stopped and finished listening to the song and as I finished cleaning her room, I had a bit of a smile on my face because I knew that I was a lucky mom for having beautiful children and a wonderful husband to pick up after!

If you've not heard this song, I'd recommend clicking the video below to see a live version of this song. It is a very moving song and I found the lyrics to be very powerful and touching.



18 comments, add yours here:

Sandee said...

It's so true Tisha. You are going to miss this. Enjoy each and everyday to it's fullest. My son will be 38 in August. Beautiful honey. You have this so very right. Many never figure this out. Big hug. :)

K.M. Saint James said...

You're right: powerful words and ever-so-poignant.

How fast it goes. Those babies don't ask if they can get bigger, learn to walk, learn to drive, learn to leave.

But if we've done our jobs right, we send them off just the tiniest bit prepared for the real world.

I remember those cleaning days, wondering how could any child manage to stuff so much 'stuff' under the bed, behind the door, in the closest . . . and now, that baby is off at college and go sit in her room, which still isn't cleaned perfect, and just miss her and her messes and her laugh.

Yep, I do miss it.

RW said...

Your so absolutely right!
Its good you have a record of these things right here.
Great song and good post!! :D

Desert Songbird said...

I remember very well my daughter's first day of kindergarten; now she's finishing the sixth grade. It seems impossible to me that my baby girl is growing up so quickly, and that in six years I'll be sending her off to college.

I can't stand the thought.

Anonymous said...

I love that song. I heard him perform it on Celebrity apprentice.

As far as your baby going it. It is always hard with your first and your last. My baby just turned 13 and she is so grown up. It makes me cry.

Traveling Bells said...

The cycle of life...giving birth and letting go...harder on us moms, right? It is fun to watch this same process (again) with my own two dtrs, now with children of their own. You...and they...will survive, Tisha. Big hugs to you!!!

Anonymous said...

I heard that song for the first time last week. I was totally moved to tears.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

you know the older you get the truer it is too honey. you are such a great mom!!! i am very proud of you tish!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Mom said...

I couldn't agree with your post more. Last September was my oldest first day of Kindergarten she too had been in Daycare so the change for her would not be drastic. She has thrived in school and grown up so much in the last 9 months, it has been wonderful to watch her grow

Mo and The Purries said...

You're a great mom, honey!
But still, I wish you could have a nice spa day just for YOU!

Akelamalu said...

Those lyrics are so true. My boys are 37 and 32 and I wonder where the time went! :(

Heart of Rachel said...

Hi Tisha. Time flies so fast. Cherishing moments with our children will bring a lifetime of rewards.

Good luck to Shelby as she enters Kindgergarden. Yohan will also be in Kindergarden this coming June.

BTW, I emailed you the html code for the scroll box.

Not So Anonymous Michelle said...

Wow! SO touching, LOVE those lyrics, it's so great. I am so teary now too. I was just sitting with my daughter last night on the couch, she fell asleep on me and kept staring at her, remembering holding her just on a small part of my chest when she was tiny now she'll be three in a month and a half and I can hardly believe it! She's getting so big so fast and I'm trying my best not to miss a thing!

Jillie Bean (AKA Bubba's Sis) said...

SO sweet.....and SO, SO true.

{sniff}

Kimmie said...

Tish honey...I always tell young mother's never to wish their kids to grow up to fast. The time goes fast enough as it is. Cherish each and every moment with them. I am an Empty Nester and it is very hard and lonely. The hardest thing for me...I miss looking in on them at night asleep like little angels, and then seeing their sleepy faces in the mornings. That song is beautiful. Very heartfelt.

You are so sweet, such a good mom and wife. God Bless You!
Hugs,
Kimmie

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

*Tear* Um that's pretty much why I don't listen to country music... It makes me bawl my head off! :D Great post! And ya, thanks for making me cry first thing in the frickin morning!

Odat said...

Wow...a beautiful song.....I'm glad you shared it.
Another reminder to stay in the moment!
Peace

Kristin said...

I get so emotional when left alone. HUGS this is too sweet!