Family Plans: A Poem on Parenthood
The goal is independence
I have four sons and twelve grandchildren, ages 18 months to 23 years. I remember all the fun of having babies, then grand babies. Going to the park and rescuing one of the toddlers from the top of the slide. I loved watching them discover new things as they grew, and going on outings and school plays and science fairs. That is not to say there were no struggles or heartbreaks along the way, that is life. But the whole journey has a goal, to raise the children God loaned you to be productive members of society, and to make their own way in the world - it's called independence.
I have many friends and acquaintances who have raised kids too. They enjoyed the years of watching them grow and mature, knowing every sacrifice and challenge was worth it all when they see their kids leave home to live adult lives. Some things never change...but then again, some things do.
Family Plans
There’s nothing sweeter
than a baby’s chubby knees,
and deep dimpled elbows
peeking through sleeves.
Pudgy little fingers
are busy with toys,
baptized in drool,
lacking grace and poise.
He squeals and shrieks,
at volumes explored,
cries of Ma ma or da, da,
and babbles galore.
Fingering Cheerios,
tossing the Tippy,
making a racket,
guiltless and giddy.
Exploring the cupboards,
banging pot and pan,
with kitchen utensils,
like a rock n roll band.
What’s more delightful
than the giggle of babes,
tickled at Fido’s
antics and games.
How sweet is his face,
when Daddy comes home,
reaching his arms
to the heart that he owns.
O the thrill that is felt
amusing the grands,
Nana and Papa
with no other plans
Then there’s the times
when temper’s do flare,
tantrums unfolding
with cranky despair.
That means it’s bedtime,
Mom lays him to sleep,
praying he’ll settle
without a making a peep.
Mom and dad snuggle
while the going is good,
until baby disturbs them
while they’re knocking on wood.
They run to the crib,
insert binky in mouth,
throw in a blankie
and change what’s down south.
And so they return
to overdue passion,
and nine months later
bear more fruit from their action.
Next thing you know,
after blinking an eye,
they leave home for college,
and Mom and Dad cry.
Two years down the road
they're back jobless and broke,
and all the folks' future plans
have gone up in smoke.
Future plans gone up in smoke.
© 2017 Lori Colbo
Comments
A delightful read...Loved it!
Beautiful poem and so much relatable!
You brought back sweet memories of my children when they were growing up. Now they are all well settled in their jobs. Truly it gives a satisfaction that all the hard work that we had put in was worth it. Nothing can match this pleasure--the pleasure of watching your children and grand children evolving into good human beings and being successful in their life and career.
Thanks for sharing this through your excellent hub!
Haha! You said it perfectly! Loved your poem. I'm definitely not looking forward to the day my little guys leave the nest. Will miss them too much! Unless the economy improves a lot, I suppose they may be back! Cute poem!
Loved this Lori! It takes a long time and a village I think--yes, we still help our kids--and they are grown now
A wonderful and delightful poem. My hubby's son has a 2 and 1/2 year old daughter. It is amazing how fast they grow. Here we had photos of her as a baby and now she is walking and has a mind of her own. Lost that baby chubbiness and is turning into a beautiful little girl.
This was a fun read, Lori. Brought back a lot of good memories. Now, I;m reliving it with my grandchildren - six girls and one boy. I grew up in a house with three sisters and one brother, Then I moved on to one wife, three daughters and one son. I've definitely been outnumbered my entire life.
Can relate to the sweet feeling of watching the grand kids get in and out of situations, although I pray for a happier ending. You're a good poet, Lori.
Thank you Lori, what a fun read filled with memories.
Great poem! Our son have married and left the nest but they have given us 4 precious grandchildren. For much of the time when our boys were small I worked evenings and missed out on some of the everyday things mentioned in your poem but as a retired old grandpa I am catching up. I now have so much more appreciation for my wife and all the intricacies of rearing young children. Love your illustrations! Thanks for sharing.
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