Don’t Blink…

We Blinked… and Here We Are

People always tell you, “Enjoy it. They grow up so fast.”

You smile, nod your head, and honestly don’t think much of it because you’re too busy packing lunches, washing uniforms, sitting in carpool lines, making dinners, traveling to tournaments, helping with homework, and trying to survive another week.

Then one day… You blink. And somehow your babies aren’t babies anymore. These past few weeks have been some of the busiest and most emotional weeks of my life. Our youngest son, Kaso, officially graduated from 5th grade and is headed to middle school. Watching him walk across that stage made me realize we’re closing our final beautiful chapter of childhood. He’s still my baby, but I can already see the young man he’s becoming.

Then came another milestone that my heart wasn’t fully prepared for. Our oldest son, Cj, graduated from high school. I don’t think there’s anything that truly prepares you to watch your firstborn reach this moment. We celebrated his graduation with family and friends, surrounded him with so much love at his college send-off, and before we knew it, we were unpacking boxes in his dorm room at Prairie View A&M University. Walking away after helping him settle in was harder than I expected.

The room was ready. His football gear was waiting. Practice had already begun. Everything around him was saying, “Your next chapter starts now.” And everything inside of me was whispering, “Lord… thank You.” Not because I’m losing my little boy… But because I had the privilege of raising him into the young man who was ready to leave.

That’s every parent’s goal, even when it hurts. While all of this has been happening, life hasn’t slowed down one bit. Our daughter, Kaylei, has kept us traveling across the country as she continues competing on the Nike EYBL circuit with Drive Nation and also taking official college visits.

Every airport.

Every hotel.

Every gym.

Every campus tour.

Every conversation with coaches.

Every scholarship offer.

They all remind me that dreams don’t happen overnight. I’ve watched this young lady pour thousands of hours into her craft when nobody was watching. Those Division I offers didn’t happen by accident they’re the reward for years of discipline, sacrifice, and relentless work.

As parents, we’re simply blessed enough to have front-row seats. Sometimes I sit quietly and just watch my children. Not because they’re athletes. Not because they’ve earned scholarships or awards. But because I genuinely like who they’re becoming.

They’re respectful.

They’re humble.

They’re hardworking.

They’re kind.

They’re resilient.

Those qualities mean more to me than any trophy ever could. This season has also reminded me of something I think every sports parent understands. People see the highlights. They see graduation photos. Commitment announcements. Scholarship offers. Game-winning shots. Touchdowns. Social media celebrations. But they rarely see the years that came before those moments.

The alarms that went off before sunrise. The endless practices. The long drives. The fast-food dinners eaten between games. The hotel rooms. The laundry. The injuries. The disappointments. The tears. The prayers whispered while sitting in the parking lot before another game. The moments when you wondered if all the sacrifices would be worth it. If you’re a sports mom reading this, I want you to know something.

I see you. I know how tired you are. I know how many miles you’ve driven. I know you’ve celebrated your children while quietly putting your own dreams on hold for a season. I know you’ve prayed prayers that only God has heard. And I want to remind you that none of it is wasted.

Your presence matters. Your encouragement matters. Your consistency matters. Your sacrifices matter. One day you’ll look around and realize you were never “just taking them to practice.” You were raising disciplined young men and women. You were building character. You were creating memories they’ll carry for the rest of their lives. Most importantly, you were showing them what unconditional love looks like.

So don’t rush these moments. Take the pictures. Record the videos. Sit in the stands a little longer. Celebrate the little victories just as much as the big ones.

Because one day you’ll blink…

And kindergarten becomes middle school. Middle school becomes high school. High school becomes college. And before you know it, the life you’ve been praying for is the life you’re living.

To every mother in the middle of her own journey, keep showing up. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep cheering the loudest. Your children may not always say it, but they’re becoming who they are because someone like you refused to quit.

As for me… I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done. I’ll keep praying over my babies. I’ll keep packing bags. I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep celebrating every milestone, no matter how big or small. Because motherhood isn’t about raising children who need us forever. It’s about raising adults who are ready for the world. And watching that happen is the greatest blessing of all.

Here’s to answered prayers, new beginnings, and every mama who is loving her children through every season. We’re doing better than we think.

XOXO KAYE,