THE SOCCER MOM BLUES

(written September 2000)

For many years, I have tetered on the edge of official "soccer mom" status. But no matter how many kids I had in school and no matter how many soccer uniforms were landing in the wrong drawers, no matter how many children were looking for school uniforms in the morning, no matter how many lunches I was making before I could think about breakfast with a good attitude, I always had at least one child left at home.

One who didn't really need to be anywhere any time. One who would leave a room with an earnest "I'll be right back, mom". One that would still believe me when I told him the sky was blue because it was God's favorite color. One that never tired of looking for my constantly-misplaced car keys. One who daily discusses "being in God's pocket" when referring to the many family events that took place before his blessed arrival.

When each of my babies were pre-verbal, I would say: If only he/she could tell me what he wants! Well, now they tell me constantly and I realize I don't really want to know. I wish desperately I had enjoyed the years of "not knowing" a little more.

So. Now he is off to Pre-K. After all these years of teetering, I'm going to have to make the leap with both feet into soccer-mom status ... as soon as I find my keys.