Mature Mom -

I say "I love you" like it’s punctuation. I take the video even when I’m embarrassed to be the oldest one at the recital. I sit in the floor even though my knees will hate me tomorrow. I say yes to the cookies. I say yes to the cuddles. I say no to the unnecessary stress.

I don’t mourn the nights I lost at clubs. I don’t envy the spontaneous trips my childless friends take. I’ve had my spontaneity. I’ve had my late nights. I’ve had my selfish seasons. mature mom

Not frantic urgency. Loving urgency.

There is a grief that comes with this, too. A quiet, private one. I say "I love you" like it’s punctuation