As a mother, there’s a unique joy in watching your children grow and develop their own interests and personalities. From the first wobbly steps to the proud declaration of “I can do it myself!”, each milestone is a testament to their evolving independence. Yet, amidst the excitement of their growth, I find myself cherishing the remnants of their younger years – the woodwork, a ceramic heart, the tiny mementos that hold such big meaning. These keepsakes displayed on my office shelf, serve as tangible reminders of the fleeting nature of childhood and the precious memories we’ve created as a family.

The first keepsake that catches my eye is a ceramic heart. Its bright red paint color has never dulled with time. This was one of Joi’s art projects, created in the messy, joyful chaos of elementary school. As I run my finger over the letters I Love U MOM accented with a heart, I’m transported back to the pride in her eyes as she presented me with her masterpiece. Though she’s now a confident, business executive, this heart of clay captures a moment in time, a reminder of her tiny, creative self.

Next to the ceramic heart sits a big wooden heart with “MOM” affixed to it that our baby boy, Little Bob, made. He was always curious and yet independent, much like his father in many aspects —working hard in his school lessons to do and be the best he could. As a young boy, he had an insatiable curiosity, a desire to explore and understand the world around him. As he continued to grow was always fighting against the tide to carve out his own interpretation of the way things should be. Now a doting father himself being responsible yet still argumentative about what is right and more analytical as to the right answers to the problem-solving issues of life. I cherish this reminder of his curious, nature-loving spirit.

Although it no longer has the original lid that came with it…

Next to that big wooden heart sits a small, popsicle container filled with my office knick knacks that our baby girl, Tanisha made. Although it no longer has the original lid that came with it. No matter where we moved I never lost sight of it. From this popsicle container came a master artist who can paint with acrylics, and watercolors, and has a pencil sketch of a school friend in a notable book. I remember she once brought the clay object of a woman from school that was so profound it brought me to tears. This popsicle box is a shining reminder of the creative artist in her heart. who shares that heart with two loving children.

Behind those three is an “In Appreciation” that our eldest son Andre gave us when he graduated high school in 1993. On the inside, it reads, “Simply and Sincerely Thank You for the understanding, for the guidance, for the comfort, for the love that have brought me to this graduation.” Now retired military working in the cyber-security realm with a beautiful wife and flourishing daughters—battling everyday growing pains with his young ones yet willing to go the extra mile for them.

These keepsakes, along with the many others that I’ve collected over the years, are more than mere objects. They are pieces of my children’s history, tangible reminders of the stages they’ve outgrown and the memories we’ve created. In a world that often prizes the new and the perfect, my children’s keepsakes offer a beautiful messiness. They speak to the imperfections and joys of childhood, the fleeting nature of growth and development. They remind me of the tiny, dependent beings my children once were and the capable, confident individuals they have become.

Thank you so much for your continued readership and support. Until next week…Happy Mother’s Day!

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