It started with just James and I. Then one by one six children entered our lives. They laughed they played they argued they cried, but most of all they grew! Then came the first dates, first concerts, first plays, first dances, first heart breaks and first graduation from high school, followed by a second and a third and a fourth. Along with this comes the first phone call from your child saying, "I've met the most wonderful man and he has popped the question!" Now comes the first wedding and all that goes with that. And your house seems just a tiny bit different.
Then comes the first grandchild bringing with her joy and laughter, and then a second little girl with beautiful eyes and a devilish smile. All the while time passes.
During all this the first son gets his mission call and then the next, one close, one far away. And once again your house is just a little bit different, a little bit quieter.
There is joy and there is heartache, a son comes home, two little spirits grace our lives for a brief moment and then return to their heavenly home.
Time moves on. Your oldest son gets engaged. Another daughter follows suit and another son returns home. Your first Christmas in a long time with all of them home. Spring break and the second son gets engaged and you wonder if you'll survive! April, June, August- weddings 1, 2, 3,.
And your house is quieter!
More growing, more stress and heartbreak, more joy and laughter. One couple goes away to school and another to work and the miles seem long. Once again it's Christmas and there are just a few gathered together within your walls.
Another grandchild is on his way and the excitement mounts.
Still two of your own are home and keeping you busy, with there firsts and your lasts. Last child to leave jr high, last pinewood derby, last seminary orientation.
And now it's time for James and I to start again with some of our own firsts. First evening when no one else is home. And again the house is different quieter.
