It feels like just yesterday, I held him in my arms for the first time, his tiny fingers wrapped around mine, his big curious eyes taking in the world. Back then, I thought we had all the time in the world. But time, relentless and swift, has a way of slipping through our fingers, doesn't it?
A few days ago, my little boy my firstborn walked through the doors of his first classroom. It was a day I knew was coming, but nothing prepared me for the wave of emotions that hit me.
Excitement for him, pride in how far he’s come, but also this ache deep in my heart that whispered, He’s growing up. That morning, I held back tears as I helped him get ready. His backpack looked far too big on his little shoulders. He was so eager, so brave, so ready for this new chapter.
And me? I was a bundle of nerves. I watched the clock all morning, my thoughts racing. Is he okay? Did he eat his snack? Is he missing me as much as I’m missing him? The hours crawled by. I waited, counting down the minutes until he would walk through the door again. And when he did, with that smile on his face and stories of his day spilling from his lips, I scooped him into the biggest hug.
In that moment, I realized something profound: our children are not ours to hold onto forever. As mothers, we spend years holding their hands, guiding their steps, but one day, we have to let go. Not completely never completely but enough to let them find their independence, their confidence, their way in this world.
That day, I made a special dua. I asked Allah to protect him always, to guide him when I cannot, and to keep his heart soft and his faith strong. I prayed for patience for myself, to trust in the process of letting go, and for wisdom to support him as he grows.
This post is a little late... life, as usual, has been busy but the emotions are still fresh. If your little ones are starting new milestones, know that it’s okay to feel all the things: the pride, the worry, the bittersweet joy. And never forget to make dua for them, to entrust them to the One who loves them even more than we do. Motherhood is a journey of letting go, but also of holding on to faith, to love, to the belief that we’re doing the best we can. And that’s enough. To my son: You’re growing up too fast, but you’ll always be my baby.
Created by faysjourney