The Start of Two Years of Lasts | The Yorkshire Dad of 4

The Start of Two Years of Lasts

At the start of September, we began what will be two years of consecutive “lasts” in our children’s lives. I have to admit I am not coping well with the sight of my children growing up at this rapid pace and naturally our role as parents changes.

This is our eldest daughter’s last year of regular school, though she will be going on to college. Moving on to college is that start of a new era for all of us.

Our 3rd daughter started her final year of primary school and just last week was her last harvest festival. I’ve been to all of them and I can’t deny I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

Next September will be a repeat as daughter number 2 starts her final year and daughter number 4 begins her last year or primary.

There will be many “lasts” over the next few months and with each one I will rue the passing of time.

Watching my children as they grow up and helping to steer them through life is a privilege. It’s also so damned hard at the same time.

This past weekend our eldest daughter turned 16-years-old. It doesn’t seem like two minutes since I was holding her in my arms and gazing out of the window of the hospital delivery room. Where have those 16 years gone? I know it’s a cliche, but I really can’t believe how quickly time has passed.

In sixteen years we have brought four children into this world. We’ve moved house twice. Helen has lost both her parents and I lost my Dad. We got married. Oh, and one of those house moves was a relocation to another part of the country.

While we would all sometimes like time to slow down, it won’t. We have no control over the passing of the days, weeks and years. Acceptance is the way to enjoy these years. Having our eldest enter junior adulthood has set off the starting pistol towards the new era in our lives as parents. It’s both a sad and happy time.

It won’t be long until I am waving L off on her prom night and sat (most likely crying) in the audience of D’s leaver’s assembly.

Things might not be the same, but different can be just as good. I will try and be more “glass half full” and look at this new era more as being one of firsts rather than lasts.

D


 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.