Emma's visit is coming to an end. My California daughter arrived last Sunday a week ago and is traveling home this (Saturday) morning. It’s always delightful when I have my three children in one place because it happens so rarely. If I think about it too much my eyes will well with tears.
I remember when they were all teens and I would look at them across the dinner table and think what life would be like in the future; I pondered about this season I’m now experiencing. I wondered, back then, what they would do with their lives and about the women they would become. I prayed, religiously, for them to become strong women of God and not just strong and independent. I wanted my girls to rely on their Creator and to have a relationship with Him where they would never be lonely. I prayed for each child to love each other and for their relationship as sisters to be a powerful force in their lives. I wanted, back then, for each of them to love their future husbands passionately and fully. I prayed for my daughters to utilize their strengths completely.
Basically, I wanted to see them thrive as adults.
Today, I am enjoying a beautiful season in my life. Today, I see three confident individuals striving to reach their goals, rearing extraordinary grandchildren and learning about the difficulties which come with adulthood. My house may be quiet now, but I am asked my opinion daily about situations with work, family and school. I love hearing phrases which begin with, “Mom, I’m not sure what to do about this. What do you think?” Because not too long ago, my opinion wasn’t nearly as valued. It seems my intelligence grew leaps and bounds whenever each one left the house. It’s nice not to be stupid any longer.
Perhaps I’m waxing too nostalgic for some, but I must admit what a wonderful gift it is to see prayers answered and my family expanding. When my newest grandchild, Caroline was born on July 4 of this year, I was honored to watch her birth and I was the first person to hold her hand. I did the same thing with my other granddaughter, Melody, three years before. To watch my two new step-grandsons come running through the house calling, “Morei!” (my grandmother name), blesses my heart like nothing else.
Some women despise the passing of time and fight the aging process. I used to think the same thing, such as how I would love to keep the same body I had in my 20’s which wore a size 4. While I admit it’s not fun to watch my face age in the mirror in front of me, I know it’s not so important. Let other women my age fight the good fight of aging. Keep working on the bikini body if you must. I don’t mind being called Morei because I am someone’s Morei. With aging comes the fullness of love. My marriage is strong, my daughters are happy and sloppy kisses from my grandchildren are priceless. I get to look forward to the calls from California to tell me about my daughter’s day. It’s no inconvenience to me, because, with God’s grace I’m here to see it all.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: The Fullness of Love