Sometimes I have to go back

"The past is a foreign country.
They do things differently there.
"
L P Hartley

When I go to my Oral Surgeon's office, as I did today, I go back to my old neighborhood. I see the house where I raised my 4 babies. And I see the school that 3 of my 4 sons attended.

I had a different husband, a different home, and although my sons were the same people, they sure looked different back then.

It's made for a rather emotional drive.

I use to park right by this gate waiting for my kindergartners.
I was nearly always the very first Mom there each day. A fact that use to embarrass me, but I am proud of now. Funny how that works.
As I drove by today I could almost see them.
I love my life.
But somedays, just somedays, when I allow myself, I go back.
I don't think a Mom can ever let go of those days completely.
I miss my babies.Don't you just love the quote at the top of this? I found it today in a magazine at the OS's office.

10 comments:

Eileen said...

Yes, Jill, I love that quote! And I feel just as you do. I love my life, but there are times I long to have that chance to hold my babies just one more time.
Great post, Jill.
All the best,
Eileen

Karen Mortensen said...

This is so sweet. I love the pictures of the boys. I remember when McKay looked like that.

grandmapeg said...

There are lots of days when I do "go back" and I really miss my babies, and toddlers, and small children, and yes...even my teenagers. I love the quote! I sure love this picture of your boys!!! So, so cute! Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer said...

Hey jill what elementary school is that?

Anonymous said...

Thomas Elementary in Fresno on Millbrook off Ashlan

darlene said...

I miss my babies, too. Thank goodness for photos!

Susan Rozier said...

I remember my mother-in-law telling me, when I had three small children, that these were the best days of my life. I'm sure I said something like "You've got to be kidding." This was before disposable diapers, during the Masters degree and PhD years where my husband was gone 4 nights a week, and we were poor. But, you're right. I look back fondly on those years of scratching my kids' backs at bed time while listening to their answers to these questions: What was your favorite time today? What do I wish for you? Simpler times.

Lisa said...

Your boys sure are CUTE! I always enjoy your reflections on the past. It allows us to have a sense of what life was like for you.

Wasn't WC great today? I thought of you my dear RS sista!

Carly said...

What is Broc wearing?? hahaha

Grandma Honey said...

Brock is wearing his dad's hat and part of his dad's pajamas. They were playing detective that morning...see the flashlight and magnifying glass? I remember that day well. It was cold (January) and they stayed in their PJs most of the day and then dressed up over that. They called Tyler "newborn baby" and wanted him to play too.

Look what happened last night

  Just a little pre-graduating gathering for our DIL Amy.... Not everyday a Mom of 7 and a Grandma of 7, graduates from college. It was not ...