Through Their Eyes

From the very first moment we see them only through our eyes. We see them struggle to take their first breath; we will never forget that sound. Without notice, we begin to see all the changes in their life; how quickly they come. We see them change as they grow from gurgles to giggles, from bottles to snacks. Like a great mountain, a life of changes has erupted. We change their diapers, their clothes, their toys; we do this because we are their parents, guardians, their guide. We know the changes must come. We teach them to understand and embrace the changes that are a part of living in an ever changing world. We teach them to change from crawlers to toddlers, from walkers to runners. We teach them to change from pre-school to grammar school to the hectic halls of the high school. We teach them right from wrong, good from evil. We teach them about man and God—how man is entangled in constant change, loved by a God that never changes.

We teach them to change  habits that will slow them down. We teach them to slow down when they are going too fast. We teach them to change their childhood games and to learn the complicated rules of an adult life.

We teach them that change is good when they accept it as the greatest challenge of life.

We watch all these changes as they grow each day. We store away these notable changes, the good and the bad, in our picture books and in our fragile memories. How much they have changed! I once cradled them in arms that can now only hope for the occasional hug. Yet I look through the portals to my soul and know that the changes I witnessed are good.

Another change is looming.The day will come when I must see their world through their eyes. The changes now belong to them. Full ownership is their's. They change their words, their music, and their friends. I don’t really know any of these. Their words have redefined. Their music has a different melody. Their friends come from a different world.

They have changed.

I must try to see it through their eyes.

And then one day…one day, their address changes. A home to call her own.

This is what we wanted. This is what we worked for, struggled for, and fought for. For them to change from a child filled with needs to an adult filled with responsibility, hopes and dreams. This is good change. (Right?)

Alas, there is one more change that I must see through her eyes, for mine are to blurred by tears to see. My evenings will be quiet. My little buddy miles away.

Change is good.

Right?