Lasts. Firsts.

 

 

“Are you okay, Mom? How are you doing with this?”

“I’m fine,” was my response. That might not have been the whole truth.

Firsts can be hard—that first baby step, the first day of school, a first holiday without a parent, friend, spouse, or partner; the first gardening season after retirement or first plane flight.

Lasts are no different; they can be dificult as well. Firsts and lasts both mark a transition, a point of crossing over from one way of life or experience into another. The common base is that of the unknown. As humans, we most often prefer familiar rather than the unfamiliar.

Firsts constitute a beginning; lasts, an ending.

My five grandgirls are the joys of my life. I take great pride and pleasure in each of them. Over the last twenty or so years, I have been privileged to be a sideline spectator as they pursued a variety of interests and activities, including their “firsts.” Their sports or performance schedule was mine as I entered every game or event into my calendar.

Softball, dance, volleyball, basketball, golf, wrestling. I spent hour upon hour “hootin' and hollering” (not so much for dance or golf 😊), as I cheered on the team and my favorite players.

They had no skills in the beginning and struggled, but they kept going. I loved seeing them grow and develop. My pride was blatantly evident while fulfilling the spectator role.

The final season for this Grandmother came to an end when the little pit bull completed her wrestling as a senior--a "last." How am I? I am sad but very grateful for the opportunities to be part of their lives in this way. And I wouldn't trade all the money in the world for it--time well spent.

What’s that saying?—“All good things must come to an end.” And it has been good! My heart is filled with priceless memories—and some amazing videos to-boot!!

I am blessed. And I am looking forward to the next “firsts” these girls will bring into my life. May your "lasts" be filled with the hope of joyful "firsts" as well.