Daisy graduated high school.
In some weird twist of events where I was only just (not just) writing on here about how I was pregnant with her, well she went and grew up and finished high school and she’s glorious. Look.
Someone explain it all to me because I just can’t understand how we are here. I find myself looking and experiencing every moment in a detached way, observing from afar at all its brilliance and beauty and wonder with a lens of nostalgia because I know how precious these days are. I cry a lot. I am proud, a lot.
I found the whole end of school much more emotional than I ever thought it would be. It was for Rob too. The memories of that time for both us are still so clear (apparently it’s actually been 30 years now) but I remember all the feelings of stress and hopefulness and relief as it was done. The end of a huge chapter and the start of an exciting new one. For me, when I was graduating high school I remember lots of other things too: a parents marriage ending. Stress, tears, worry, change, uncertainty.
The last day of school was an emotional one for sure. For all of us. As I made Daisy stand out the front for the photo like I took on her first day I said to Rob how proud I was of us. That we got through a whole education period of a kid with us being a steady place of comfort and love and support. Of unity. Of pressure when needed and letting go of hands when they needed a push.
I cried a lot on that day for the 18 year old version of me who was hurt and confused and stressed out and sad when she finished school. Who had to grow up faster and worry about stuff beyond her years. Having a child the same age now as any time you had a tough time just hits different. You know all the things you needed, a distant future observer of your former self, filled with that nostalgia I sometimes feel for myself as Mum know having kids growing up and leaving the nest. I said to Rob how much I wanted to get this right for our kids, and I know he did too, and we did it. How lucky we are to have done it.
We recently celebrated 21 years since our first date and next year it will be 20 years that we have been married. 15 of those years we would have lived here, in this home. I am so grateful that we have eachother and our girls. That we have righted some of our own wrongs. That our home is a place of love, beauty and safety and comfort and joy for us and others. That we made it with one kid through 13 years of school as a team. And we will be approximately 89 by the time we finish with Maggie.
Have you seen that meme or something (my mind can’t retain a single thing these days) of looking at photos of happy old couples still in love and you wonder how many times they have forgiven each other. How marriage is radical acceptance?
What I thought may be a love letter to Daisy, to then to my 17 year old self has been actually been one to Rob, for always forgiving me. Accepting me and loving me for who I really am nonetheless. That’s all we ever want. How lucky I am. How lucky we are.
Thank you. It has been the most fun I have ever had. Although renovating and teenagers are sometimes not.
We need the marriage quote for wall art. I need it in my home always to remind me how lucky I am too.
Agree!
Got me right in the feels. A good marriage is life’s greatest blessing ❤️
Thanks Ween, aint that the truth x
Love all of this Beth, including the fact you wrote a blog post for it! We just ticked over 10yrs married so these words feel extra meaningful right now. Much thought about what love and marriage really is
Congrats! It’s no easy feat x
Beautiful words Beth. Love to you & Rob. The glue that makes YOUR family life strong
Denyse xx
53 years of marriage & we fight & smile & love & remember (& forget!( together
Thanks so much Denyse x
Oh Beth, feeling all the feels in parallel here. G is in the kitchen baking something sweet, in the midst of her HSC exam period. We’ll be 20 years together and 19 years married in February, and already 89, having had both the babies late. That Christmas tree situation made me laugh in the midst of the heartstrings being tugged. Much love to you and Rob, and come back here to blog-land again soon please x
Thanks Mary, it felt good being back here x
I agree. Social media is no fun for me right now. So happy to hear your news from this blog Beth.
So lovely and well done. You are such a great mum. I’m 54 today, 30 years married, two grown up kids 28 and 26, grateful for this life with all its joy, drama, uncertainty and sometimes mundaneness. Have a great day x
Happy birthday! x
Ahhhh, so many things to relate to. We had our first ‘child’ move out of home to study at university and live on campus this year. I have never seen my husband so sad and emotional. Life changes and yet there you are, still battling along, loving, laughing and forgiving. Thanks for sharing your journey.
It’s such a HUGE change. And it comes real fast x
Ah, the ol’ blog speaks such words of wisdom, doesn’t she? Solid, Bev, solid.
It really does, this felt good. I must do it more.
40 years of marriage coming up for us in three weeks … I’m proud of us, the children we raised, the grandchildren they are raising. We didn’t always get it right but we have always been a team, each others greatest support, strength and comfort during life’s ups and downs. As each chapter in life evolves there are great joys and challenges and turning the pages with your best friend is simply the best.
Wonderful Jane – congratulations on an amazing milestone
Beth-you write with such a big, brave and wise heart. I love reading what you have to say. X
Thanks Sally, I appreciate that x
I’ve been following your posts for over a decade Beth and always appreciated how truthful and open you are. This particular post resonates even more as a timely reminder to be grateful for the patience and guidance we receive from those around us while raising children. This includes not only husbands and fathers, but also the invaluable “mother mafia” who support peri- and menopausal mothers through the toughest of hours and days.
The toddler years were challenging, but navigating the rollercoaster of parenting teenagers is on another level entirely. Add to that the struggles with insomnia, night sweats, achy joints, and financial stress, and it’s no wonder so many women feel 85 years old when they’re only in their 40s or 50s.
Congratulations on guiding your first of three children to the finish line of high school and the beginning of their next journey post-HSC.
I apologise for being so behind, Beth, but your post was well worth the wait. I love reading what you have to say. I wait for your update each morning on Daisy’s exams, and I feel every one of your emotions, I want to give you big hug!!!
I had our daughter, Florence “late” (at 41) and she’s 4.5 so we have a long way to go. I’ve inherited 4 stepchildren who’ve lost their mother, 3 of whom are teenagers. Can you imagine!!!??? I cry most days so need my own blog 🤣
Much love to you, Rob and the girls and congratulations on so many wonderful milestones (marriage, home, kids). You all get me through each day xxxx
Beth, you always know the right things to say and the way to say it!! Sure tugs at the heart strings. Glen and I are coming up for 58 years married and raising 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 4 beautiful great grandchildren. I wonder sometimes what this crazy world of ours will have in store for them.
Just beautiful Beth as always.
Here R and I are, 44 years married, 46 years together, ” What ARE you doing? ” said my Mum ” He’s 10 years older than you and has a failed marriage, you’ll be divorced in 5 years ”
My God we were determined to prove her wrong and we have!
Has it been easy…yes at times but a bloody quagmire at times but always together.
Two kids ( 40 & 38 ) and 4 fabulous grandchildren, our son and family live in Perth, WA. That was so emotional saying goodbye to him 13yrs ago…. we live in The UK, knowing he would probably not return but what a life he has!
Our daughter and family are thriving and living in The Cotswolds which is magnificent!
Throughout it all is love 💕
Well done to you Beth and Rob, onwards and upwards!!!
Xx