And Then I Blinked

Eighteen years ago a sweet little fella came into my life.

When Nick was just a few days old, I stood beside the changing table, dressing him.  He was still in that somewhat scrawny state common to newborns.  I gently held his tiny leg between my thumb and forefinger, marveling at how soft his little thigh was.  I thought to myself, “One day, he will be a man, with strong powerful muscles and hairy legs, (and much greater need for privacy and personal space), but I will remember exactly how his tiny leg felt today.”

I do remember.

Last week, we celebrated his 18th birthday and today, we celebrate that he’s been accepted at his first choice school, UNC-Wilmington.   It feels like it was only yesterday that I could carry him easily with one arm, and yet at the same time, I can see all of the days in between like a flipbook.  I’ve seen him learn and grow and mature. What a joy to watch as he has figured out who he is and found his own way of relating to the world around him.  Nick is comfortable in his skin and confident of what matters to him.

It is exciting to think about what is next and I don’t want to miss any of it.  If you need me, I’ll just be over here, practicing blinking with my eyes (and heart) wide open.