I have now graduated three kiddos (Class of ’21, ’22, and ’25) and it never gets easier being a senior mama. Each time has been different, just as their births were unique – but I will admit the first, hurt extra deep. At times, I felt like no one could possibly understand what my heart was feeling. Then I realized, millions of other senior mamas had not only done this, but they had survived it! I needed other moms who had walked the same path to assure me that my babies would be okay. So, from one senior mama to another, hear me … it will all be okay!
Dear Senior Mama … It’s Okay
(A love letter for your unraveling heart)
Dear Senior Mama, breathe in deep, It’s time to exhale, it’s okay to weep. From diapers to driving in what felt like a blink, Now reality stings and your heavy heart, sinks. You packed the lunches, kissed the knees, Survived the eye rolls, taught them to, “Say please!” You’ve Googled for essays, proofed the speech, You’ve encouraged them that their dreams are within reach. You cried in silence from milestones big and small, This year, you’ve reflected and pondered it all. You stood with pride, soaking up the, “lasts,” Even as your heart broke, excited for their future, holding the past. There is beauty in the tension of this sacred grief, It’s okay to feel happy and mad that time is a thief. Your baby is grown, ready to fly, It’s okay to cheer and ugly cry! In some ways, we’ve grown too, It’s the next level of laboring, who knew? You blinked, they grew, and you both came through. You’re their Mama, forever your baby, love so true.
It may take you a minute to find what works for you to heal your broken heart – maybe it’s a weekly coffee date with a friend, maybe it’s a new workout routine, or maybe it’s getting lost in the latest #booktok craze. My therapy of choice for coping this go-round with senior-motherhood-woes, is writing. Waco Moms has given my tender heart a place to use my voice and express all these things. Whatever your method, I hope these words resonate and offer hope, that you are not alone! Read the June issue of Wacoan with more of my thoughts on, The Best of Parenting!
