Nobody tells you that when your kids are older such as older teens and young adults that you fall in love with them all over again. You’ve already begun loving them at birth and that love continues through the years that you’re raising them up to be adults. There is a point in time that you realize you totally enjoy being with these children of yours but they are no longer children. That saying “the days are long but the years are short” could not be more true. I remember when everyone was younger I felt as though they would be young forever. I never wished they were older, or wanted to change my kids in any way. It’s just that time seemed to stand still so often during those years.

No one tells you how it will feel when your special needs son says, “I have a house, your house is not mine, it’s yours, my house is my home.” I was impressed that Thomas made perfect sense; And yes it still hurt my heart.

No one tells you how happy and excited you are when your middle child secures and signs a lease for her own apartment in Manhattan. No one tells you, you will be ugly crying as you help her unpack knowing this is a great life event, but so sad that she’s leaving your house.

It’s similar to the feeling you experience when your newly married daughter and son in law come for dinner and then leave together. It’s like oh….she doesn’t live here anymore.

I’m so very happy and proud of my kids. I’m so proud of their accomplishments at young ages and their confidence to do what they have their hearts set on. Not everyone has the experience of watching their children spread their wings and literally soar high. They are truly my greatest accomplishments.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I don’t. I used to years ago, but then noticed a predictable pattern of giving up or never even starting to make progress towards said resolutions. I always wish for a better new year than the one we are saying farewell to. I remember saying I would quit smoking or lose weight as frequent resolutions. You know, I did quit smoking and I did lose weight but I accomplished those goals on a totally different timeline than New Year’s resolutions. Tommy bribed me with an expensive designer bag to quit smoking about 7 years ago. He dangled that carrot out there and I took the bait. Tommy made good on his offer and I haven’t touched a cigarette since. Even though I still miss it, damn nicotine makes everything alright!

As a family Tommy and I had a difficult past year. In 2023 we made decisions a parent shouldn’t have to make and drove more miles across the 5 boroughs than we both ever thought we would. It was also noted that we believe we’ve driven over almost every bridge connecting the 5 boroughs and Long Island during our lives while raising our children. In 2023 I drove over the RFK/formerly known as the Triborough bridge. That was a new crossing for me.

I truly wish a happy and healthy and prosperous new year to all with very few road bumps as possible. And if you do hit a snag or two I hope you have as many supportive people as possible in your corner. Hug your children and let them know they mean the world to you. That they don’t need an invitation to come over, do laundry and/or and have dinner. Phone calls are always welcome.

I want more adventures with my husband this year. This is not a resolution; merely a statement of what I would like to see happen with us. I know Tommy wouldn’t disagree. I don’t know what kind of adventures at this moment. And it doesn’t necessarily mean travel. Where we live you can have an adventure after crossing a bridge or taking a ferry ride.

Happy New Year my friends!