DON'T BLINK

DON’T BLINK

by Debby Festa Nowicki

My baby boy, MIKEY, is so small I’m almost afraid he’ll break in my arms. His bright blue eyes look at me so alert and inquisitive. He pays attention to my every word with fascination and interest. When I walk away from the crib, he cries. I am his whole world.

BLINK

Mikey is walking and talking now. He is so smart! He’s already learning his letters and colors. He is so content when I hold him and read to him. He memorizes his favorites and repeats them back to me. Mikey loves coming shopping with me. He’s really good at directions too. He tells me how to get places. Such a little back seat driver—literally!

BLINK

Mikey got on the school bus for kindergarten. I cried. How can my baby be without me by his side? What if he needs me? The teacher isn't going to know when he needs help with stuff. She's going to expect him to follow different rules than we have at home. How is he going to learn all that? He's going to get upset if he doesn't know what to do and I won't be there to tell him it's okay. He's just a baby! What will he do without me all day? What will I do without him?

BLINK

MICHAEL does very well in school. I am so proud of him. All his teachers rave about him. He's really becoming independent and responsible. Now he wants to ride his bike further from the house with his friends. I'm scared but confident that Michael knows how to take care of himself. Maybe I'll follow in the car the first couple of times just to make sure.

BLINK

Michael graduated from middle school. I felt like a midget standing next to him for the pictures. He's so tall! I can't believe he is going to high school next year. The way he looks at the girls these days frightens me. The way the girls look frightens me even more.

BLINK

MIKE is almost six feet tall now. It's hard to remember that he isn't really a man when I look at him. He's still a good student. His guidance counselor and I are trying to guide him toward the classes he'll need to get into a good college. He drives very well, but he prefers the truck because my car is too small for him.

BLINK

Mike is graduating this year. I can't believe it. My little boy is officially an adult--where did the past 18 years go? "Sunrise Sunset" is playing in my head as I look for a shirt and tie he can wear under his cap and gown. College is right around the corner. I hope I can keep my eyes open for a while before he goes off on his own.

OOPS! I BLINKED