I Remember

The following was written 5 years ago....

So often you hear the parents of young children says things like, “I don’t know what we talked about before we had kids,” or “I can’t remember what life what like before little Johnny was born.” Well, I’m a parent, but my son can’t fool me. I know there was life before children. I remember it.

I remember going to the movies. Grown up movies. First run movies. Movies without talking animals.

I remember going out to restaurants that did not give away toys with meals.

I remember sleeping late on Saturday mornings without two cold little feet pressed against my back.

I have vague recollections of my old body.

I remember vacations that did not involve cartoon rodents or amusement park rides.

I remember when the only rear end I had to wipe was my own.

I can recall conversations when my husband and I didn’t have to spell out any words. We actually discussed politics now and again without having to explain the Electoral College to a four year old.

I remember other conversations too. They were conversations about children – how many we wanted to have, how we were going to raise them, how wonderful it was going to be.

I remember when we thought we weren’t going to be able to have children.

I remember the emptiness in my heart and a longing so strong that it brought me to my knees in prayer.

I have memories of jobs that left me feeling unfulfilled and still searching for a purpose. I can remember finding that purpose in my son’s eyes.

I remember my happy marriage – it’s true what they say, things do change with kids.

You see, I remember how much I loved my husband before we had our son – and I know how much more I love him
now.

I remember that I used to wake up to an alarm clock instead of “Good morning Mommy!”

Yes, I remember life before I had a child. Do you suppose this is why I’m having another one?\