I Wasn't Needed Anymore

Today my high schooler needed a ride to football practice.

There used to be a time not so long ago when I would have to arrange a ride for him with a mom of one of his friends, annoyingly verifying it at least three times with the mom, and then reminding my son what time he was getting picked up, what to bring, and to make sure he said thank you.

Today he arranged the ride himself with a friend, got himself ready, and went to practice.

I wasn’t needed anymore.

There used to be a time not so long ago when I would go to those practices, my camping chair and bag full of snacks regular staples in my trunk. The other parents and I would sit for 2 hours every day watching our boys’ struggles and admiring their growth.

Today he went to practice without parents and with coaches I’ve never personally met.

I wasn’t needed anymore.

There used to be a time not so long ago when I would roll my eyes and sigh loudly as I made my way through our house after a practice, helping stray socks find their way to the hamper and stinky shoulder pads to the drying rack.

Today those stinky pads got put where they belong, without me having to help.

I wasn’t needed anymore.

There used to be a time not so long ago when that same high schooler was a shy little boy, stepping onto the field for the first time - timid, lacking confidence, scared, and so very excited.
Today that little boy stepped onto the field for probably the 1,000th time - a young man, confident, brave, and so very excited to tackle the world on his own.

I wasn’t needed anymore.

There used to be a time not so long ago when this mama couldn’t imagine a time when she wasn’t needed.

Today that mama knows that she will always be needed in someway - maybe not for rides or picking up socks or support at practice - but surely for other ways.
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A mother’s love will always be needed.