Parenting
On the other side of infants lie tall legs protruding from shorts and appetites that never seem to be satisfied, alongside aching joints as their bodies grow and expand to accommodate entire individuals.
On the other side of infants, unexpected gray hairs sprout in places you’d never imagine. They might cause a brief moment of shock, but you pluck them out, brush it off, and carry on.
On the other side of infants are parking lots. Parking lots where you linger, chatting about school events or sometimes finding a quiet moment to hide when days feel too overwhelming.
On the other side of infants are menstrual cycles that have changed their rhythm and flow.
On the other side of infants are bodies that, despite their odors, still curl up to you in moments of comfort, fear, or love, or simply because they need you close.
On the other side of infants are those glances of comprehension when you try to explain your choices—why we act kindly or why we care at all.
On the other side of infants is a cozy spot for slumber… until they learn how to drive.
On the other side of infants, your body has settled into a new shape, one that has been reshaped and nurtured by those very infants.
On the other side of infants are bold steps taken by both you and them into the wider world, sometimes apart, sometimes together.
On the other side of infants linger moments of nostalgia for their sweet-smelling hair, the sleepy coos, and the delightful weight of their tiny bodies.
On the other side of infants is a space that once felt too small, now ripe for filling again.
On the other side of infants are young individuals you aim to send into the world, hoping they’ll be kind and considerate.
On the other side of infants are small, empty purses that once held so much more.
On the other side of infants are thoughts that feel uniquely yours once more.
And on the other side of infants is you, rediscovering yourself.
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Summary:
This piece reflects on the transition from having infants to raising older children, exploring the emotional and physical changes that occur in both parents and children. It captures the bittersweet nostalgia of parenting, while also highlighting the growth and independence that comes with it.