Waxing Nostaligic

Today was the Primary program in our ward. As always, Anna did really well, singing and smiling and giving her little line with gusto. Alyssa held up a picture and played with her bow when she was supposed to be singing. Yeah, some things never change.

Actually, some things do change. It occurred to me, as I stood there watching my eleven-year-old towering above the rest of the kids, that this was Anna's last Primary program. Ever. (Or at least, until she's called as a Primary teacher a few years hence, and that's just not the same.)

Now, I'm a rather sentimental chap, and I have to admit getting a little misty eyed at the realization. But I'm not suffering from any of this wanting to hold on to the past, at least not right now, and at least not where Anna's concerned.

We watch a lot of home movies at our house, at Alyssa's request. Actually, it's not so much a request any more, now that Alyssa can drive the VCR and DVD all by herself.

Anyway, Kara and I were watching some video from 8 years ago, and Kara said "I am so glad Anna is grown up now."

I have to agree. The three-year-old fireball that was my firstborn took a lot of energy and patience. Kara doesn't think she has enough patience for something like that any more. I'm darn sure I don't have it.

And yes, I know the teen years are right around the corner, and they can take just as much patience as the diaper days - if not more. But I think it's a different kind of patience.

A kind I think I might still have in reserve somewhere.

Comments

Tristi Pinkston said…
You sound so optimistic about the teenage years ... my daughter turned twelve this year and I'm already exhausted by it. Can you share your secret?
10/19/08, 9:11 PM
Don said…
The secret to my optimism is the same as always - a healthy dose of delusion.
10/20/08, 6:00 AM
Stephanie Humphreys said…
I just finished writing our program which will take place on November 9. As I started writing it I realized it is my youngest daughter's last one. They grow up so fast. I have two teenagers all ready, and so far so good. (Still keeping my fingers crossed.)
10/20/08, 12:36 PM
Jewel Allen said…
Sweet post. My kids just had their primary program, too. My son who is going to be 11 this week looked so grown up, I'm kind of getting teary just thinking of him moving on.

I have a 13 year old, and Young Women's has been so exciting for her and for me (I was just called in to be 2nd counselor).

Each stage seems to be as marvelous as the one before.
10/21/08, 7:45 AM
Serious Sam said…
I don't even want to think about my daughters growing up.
10/21/08, 9:27 AM
ali cross said…
That was a sweet post Don. My boys have their primary program in a couple weeks and Xan has the longest piece he's ever had. He's feeling pretty proud of it. Charlie, for once, isn't complaining about participating, which is amazing and wonderful!

I always get teary and nostalgiac at these programs ... I can't imagine realizing it's their last one. I still have four more to look forward to!
10/21/08, 10:48 PM
Anna said…
I also believe the different kind of patience dealing with a 3 year old and a 13 year old. Granted, my oldest is only 4, so I have no personal expertise.

I LOVE my kids, and I am going to enjoy them as much as I can while they are young. I'm not wishing for the time to go by fast at all.

But I really do enjoy the idea that someday they won't be quite as dependent on me as they are now. I love that my 4 year old can dress himself and get his own water from the fridge. I do things for them because I love them, but I can't wait until they can do things for themselves. Someday I won't have to cut up french toast, pour milk, move the chair over so they can wash their hands, etc.

But I'm sure teenager years will be difficult in other ways. Just not the same ways.
10/22/08, 2:25 PM
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