musings on graduation

So, my oldest daughter just graduated high school and suddenly I'm left feeling...mmm...lost. We're entering uncharted territory here in a part of life I didn't ever really think I'd reach. Suddenly my little pig-tailed girl has sprouted wings and is preparing to fly and I don't know whether to be thankful she's a strong-spirited young lady who is ready to take on the world or pull her onto my lap so we can watch Sesame Street and Barney and eat Cheerios together. I certainly don't feel 18 years older so I'm wondering how this possibly could have happened. How did I miss the last 18 years? I remember when my kids were younger and "old" people would say, "Enjoy them now because they'll be grown up before you know it!" and all I could do was smile half-heartedly while I had one by the hand, one screaming on the floor in the throes of a herculean temper tantrum, one climbing up my leg saying "Mama! Mama! Mama!", and a baby in the stroller exercising his lungs. Enjoy it? I felt lucky to be surviving it! I did survive it, but I certainly didn't enjoy it enough. I spent time wondering when life was going to start and sometimes missed living it. I miss the park, bedtime stories on the couch, princess movies, dressed up tea parties, bathtime...ok, maybe I don't miss Barbie and all her accompanying splendor, but so many little moments I took for granted. More patience, more playtime, more cookies, more laughter - more time please.