I have been thinking a lot lately about things that I miss now that I am an “adult”. I suppose with our oldest son’s 34th birthday coming up next week and my own 59th birthday the following week I am feeling a bit nostalgic or something.
The first thing that I have to say that I miss is just being able to pick up the phone and talk to my parents. My Daddy died in 1994 so it has been a long time since I had that chance but up until just about a year ago I was at least able to call my mom regularly. With her increasing dementia it is difficult to carry on conversations in person let alone on the phone. I was especially feeling the loss lately when Chris’s brother died. My first thought was to call my mom and cry on the phone with her but I knew she wouldn’t remember him and it made me even sadder. When I did see her that week I opted not to even mention anything about why we were in Ohio. There is no way I can share any of those types of things with her anymore.
I miss the sticky arms and faces of my two boys as they hug me. I love my grown up men more than I can tell you but honestly – those younger versions of themselves were pretty darn wonderful and there are days that I miss my shadow Aaron and my competitive Micah in their younger forms.
I miss “family work weekends”. In our earlier married years my siblings and I shared weekends at our houses where we helped each other with projects. Probably my most memorable weekend was when we bought our house in Monaca, Pennsylvania that needed quite a bit of work. We rented a dumpster, invited the family and proceeded to rip up black carpet, peel off wallpaper and pretty much wreck havoc on the inside of this house. All the little kids were included and it was fun for the siblings, spouses and cousins and we actually got a lot accomplished when we did these. Family is the best.
I miss road trips in our big Ford Econoline Conversion van complete with the boys in the captains chairs in the back watching videos and playing Nintendo. I miss getting ready for those epic road trips by finding the perfect little presents to pack to surprise them with when they got in the van for the trip.
I miss my Grandma Bonnie’s cooking and especially her pies. She was THE best cook and cooked with love in every dish. I miss sitting around her big kitchen table with the family taking it all in and just being together with family.
Now please don’t misunderstand — I LOVE my life and my current situation even if it is stressful sometimes as an adult. But there are always things in my memory that come to the surface that remind me that I have had a full life and that includes those things that I listed above. But how blessed am I to have things that I actually miss instead of having no memories of happiness to draw upon like some folks experience?
Thanks for joining me today on my nostalgic trip. Do you have specific things that you can share with me of things that you miss? I would love to hear all about it so please share in the comments section. Each comment this month means a 50 cent donation to Comments for a Cause – Camp Robin Rogers. You can read more about that by clicking here.
22 Comments
Leave a commentI miss hanging out on grandma’s farm in the summer, playing with kittens out in the barn.
And I miss summersalting down the sand dunes at Muskegon State Park.
And water skiing every summer evening when my dad got home from work.
And riding my bike to town to buy penny candy at the D&C store.
Dawn, those are all wonderful memories! Are we not the luckiest gals to have great memories like this???
Some of the things I miss are very similar to yours: I miss talking to my mom (even after 24 years of her being gone), I miss playing in the yard at home as a little girl, I miss holding baby Marshall on my shoulder but LOVE the fact that he and I are still so close and see each other often. I completely “get” what you mean about being blessed with so much love and happiness in life. Very nice post today!
I knew that this would be a post that everyone would have some thoughts about. I didn’t want to sound pathetic and sad because that might be how some may interpret it but it was really just reflecting and thinking about some of the fun things of the past. And yes—having close relationships with grown up children is the absolute best thing.
There are so many things I miss but I can’t list them as I will get maudlin. The family get togethers were always so much fun. The picnics, roof raisings, barbeques, special occassions with Gramma and Grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins etc. all great times. Yes, we are lucky to have these preciuos memories as some don’t. I am so grateful that I can still connect with mom on Skype, which I did this weekend. Phone calls don’t work anymore either. I loved reading your memories as many were the same as mine. xo
Exactly! I didn’t want it to be maudlin and I hope it didn’t come across that way. I think we have so many of the same types of memories and that is why we are such great friends! It’s those memories that we pull from and that make us who we are today. Have a great day!
I do love how you put a positive spin on things. I agree, it’s the memories that make us who we are and I’m pretty positive most times but can get weepy when I think about things that are no more, especially when I think of my dad and the brother we lost. But then I count my blessings and realize how lucky I was to have them in my life!
Beth- we love reading about you and your life! Here’s a memory you may also have- staying up late chatting on the porch with my Mom and Sis at Lakeside (Quietly after 11 pm!)
Ah yes!!! Only ours may not have been quietly. 😊
This made me sad. I am missing those days when life was much simpler, when issues did not create stress and worry. I understand about your mom. It’s the same with my mom. I’m sorry. Sometimes I wish I could be the kid again, that my mom could just take care of me.
Oh no–it was not meant to make anyone sad! It was meant as a reflection on how wonderful my life has been and how I am glad I am able to treasure each and every moment along the way. There is a season for everything, right? I know you “get” the mom thing –that does make me a little sad but I try to enjoy each phase and find something positive about it to embrace.
I don’t read this as sad at all! I read it as you meant it, just reminiscing about good times gone by. And you’re right — we all have them. I miss talking to my dad and getting advice from him (he’s been gone 10 years). I miss playing tennis every summer night after dinner. I miss the first day of a new school year, with the smell of crayons and Elmer’s glue. I miss BIG family Christmases (everybody seems to want to celebrate with their own family now, rather than with extended kin). I miss Little Domer bringing me dandelions and calling them “pretty flowers.” I miss friends who have moved far away. I miss being a kid, with no responsibilities, ha!!
I love your memories as well, Debbie! The crayons and Elmer’s glue made me giggle because I totally get it! No responsibilities would be nice about now, wouldn’t it???
The good old days of catching lightening bugs in the summertime. I miss days like that. Thanks for helping me reminisce about some of those things from those great days of the past.
Oh yes! That is a great memory! Perfect summertime night with lightening bugs and peepers peeping loudly! Perfect!
As a child I miss the stress free days of just being a child. As a adult I miss spending fun days with my grandson when they were little. Bottom line is I am blessed with a good life.
So many things that I miss, but each season of life makes its own memories to cherish. Thanks for reminding me that we need to cherish and savor each moment as it comes because all too soon it turns into a lovely memory. 🙂
Such sweet memories. One of the things I miss are simpler times… like you I’m grateful for my current life but sometimes I think back and like to reminisce.
This post is so bittersweet. I love that you are sharing these memories. I will have to think about what I miss – but what I wish is that I had asked my mom and grandmother more about their memories and life experiences.
I chuckle when people ask me how does it feel to be 59? I don’t know how I am supposed to feel! This for sure is a once in a lifetime experience.
Hey, we are the same age! And yes I totally understand what you mean about not knowing how you are supposed to feel! Good to see you here today! Thanks for stopping by!
No problem. I think age is a state of mind in many ways.