peter pan

So before Christmas my children discovered the movie "Hook."  For those of you that don't know what that is.....well it is another Peter Pan movie, that came out when I was maybe in junior high, that stars Dustin Hoffman as Hook and a grown Peter Pan played by Robin Williams.  Anyway, it is a fun movie and my kids love it once they FINALLY get to Neverland.  As I watched this movie one night with them I heard something that just about made me cry, I guess because it resonated in me in some way.  This lesson that gets said over and over and over throughout history.  I can't help but wonder if it is because for as long as anyone can remember it is one of those things that most people get wrong and in hopes of helping the next generation get it right they tell their tale, or sing a song or express their regret in some way so that the message is out there for the next generation to try and get it right.

The line in "Hook" goes like this:
 
"Your children love you, they want to play with you. How long do you think that lasts? Soon Jack might not even want you to come to his games. We have a few special years with our children, when they're the ones that want us around. After that you're going to be running after them for a bit of attention. It's so fast Peter. Just a few years, and it's over. And you are not being careful. And you are missing it."

It reminded me that my oldest will be 7 this year and although I know he has a few more years to get to that really independent age, it will inevitably go by way, way too fast just like the last 7 years of his life.  I was also reminded while thinking about all this, that my whole world cannot be just my children.  I am a person also and I need me time.  I need couple time with my husband and I need to embrace and enjoy and cherish my children always.  The trick that I am still learning is balance.  But, for now, I am hoping that I am being careful and that I am not missing it.  I want to be able to say that I got it right when my children are grown instead of having regret sitting around singing something like  "The Cats in the Cradle and The Silver Spoon."

Happy New Year to everyone!

How this 3 year old decorated a tree