Article by Wendy McCance
I’ve spent the day going through the kids clothes. Sorting out what doesn’t fit and writing down what they will need for the spring. When I was in my son’s room, my heart tore just a little as I pulled out clothes that were too small and gathered up some special shirts I wanted to save.
My son, who is my youngest will be thirteen this year. In my eyes, I still see my baby. It’s been hard watching the kids grow up, but I have had a particularly difficult time accepting that my youngest child is no longer a tiny.
As I sorted through my son’s clothes, I found a couple of shirts that had somehow escaped previous years of sorting. These were the smallest of shirts and when I held them up, a flood of memories came back. I remembered what home we lived in when the clothes fit. I remembered a few events when those clothes were worn. I hated the thought of putting these items in the pile of clothes that no longer fit.
I had a separate pile of clothes going for clothes I would save. These were shirts from memorable occasions that I wanted to keep for my son so he could hold onto some special memories.
I was amazed at how many items wound up in the save pile. My son had shirts from camp, sports, school and a tie-dye day. Each piece of clothing told a story and each story was special.
In one year, my son has grown so tall that my husband had to adjust the shelves so clothing could be hung without hitting the shelf below. Time flies by so quickly as a parent. It’s incredible how fast those years really do go.
I have one more year before all of my children are out of middle school. I often wonder where the time went and how could it have gone so quickly. I am happy to have so many good memories. I look forward to what the future will produce, but if I could go back in time to when the kids were small I think I would like the opportunity, at least for a little while.
Wendy McCance
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Wendy,
Thank you for returning to your personal observations. I learned a lot from your professional postings but I missed my friend Wendy who I would share a cup of coffee with. I am pleased with your decision. I think it is the right move for you — and for me.
Thanks Carol Ann. I have been thrilled to see that readers have been happy with this choice. I’m rather relieved. Too bad everyone doesn’t just live in Michigan, we could have done a once a month get together in person over coffee.
That would be nice. But, I am in Pennsylvania about 6 or more hours from you. We will have to remain virtual friends.
Sounds good!
Oh yeah I remember all the times when I would sort through my girls clothes while they were at school, had to do it then because if they saw what I was getting rid off there would be a scene and a lot of I love that mum don’t get rid of it
Your comment put a smile on my face. It sounds just like what I go through.