As I reflect over these last couple of months, I have so many emotions running through my mind and soul! God blessed me to be the mother of four beautiful young adults (now). They are such beautiful souls. I have one beautiful daughter and three handsome sons not only outside but deep into their cores! They make up the McCray Family Greatness!
A couple of days ago, my baby son was drilling me on each one of his siblings births along with his (of course) and I pretty much remember every detail of each one of their births like it was yesterday. There were a couple of details I had to call my sister about but I was pretty much on point for most of them. As my baby son, Be’Jai and I talked, it made me feel so blessed, happy and warm inside. These same four babies I birthed (naturally) are now young adults moving forward with their lives.
When they were younger from babies to toddlers to teenagers I never thought about the days when they would be grown, on their own and how it would feel. How deep down I would probably miss when they were little people. I would try to rush time and say things like I can’t wait until this moment, like until they would sleep all night, could walk, be potty trained, start school, can drive and graduate high school. Now, I look back and all of those days have come and passed so quickly! I’m kind of missing it already and wishing that I would have lived in the moment more. Note to those parents reading this with young ones… enjoy every moment and don’t rush it! You will blink and they will be grown!
But, I’m very proud! This year, I celebrated my oldest 2 receiving their bachelor’s degrees, Kaerra from California State Long Beach University and Benny from Florida International University. My middle son, BeSean achieved his first post high school goal with an associate degree from Hinds Community College and searching for the university he will transfer to in order to finish and earn his bachelor’s degree. Of course, I can't forget the baby, Mr. Be’Jai, last but certainly not least, graduating from Colonial High School and in his first semester at Hinds Community College. (Yes he is following his brother for now) You are talking about a proud Moma! That is who I am! Family Greatness at its best!
Now, I realize how blessed I am that to have 4 children, with their own unique personalities and all have achieved that first goal that their Mother, Father, Granny Vivian and all of their supportive family had for them! I have 4 high school graduates! I must pat myself on the back along with sending a special thank you to their whole community of family, friends and teachers who helped along the way! We know that this is not easy to get 1 high school graduate and we have 4!
But most of all I must say I’m just so proud of the people they have grown to be! They received the mission and accomplished it! Family Greatness!
We celebrated the whole month of May! They asked 'Mom, why? Why are you doing this? It’s not necessary. Just celebrate Be’Jai since he graduated from high school.' However, I told them ‘this is a very special moment in time and we will celebrate! I am so proud of each of you and I want the world to know!’ Needless to say, they cooperated for the most part and I think they even enjoyed themselves most of the time.
I even convinced them to have a graduation photo shoot! Thank you, Andrew April Photography! When Andrew sent me the pictures he named the album Family Greatness and I loved it! Hence the name of this post!
But they were like Mom these pictures are for you not us. Of course, I said yup they are! On one hand, I’m so excited and honored to be the mother of 4 graduates and in the same year at that! Never could have planned that. It’s a God thing of course! But then on the other hand it’s a coming out time for me! I’m officially an empty-nester and accomplished mother of 4 graduates. So yup I’m a Boss Mom! Is that a thing? Well, if not, it is now and please don’t forget where you heard it first! 😂
Seriously, God is so good and of course I have to give him all the glory for all of these accomplishments!
Parents, especially us mothers, you too will be here much sooner than you would like. You will feel frustrated, alone, worried if you are doing the right thing for your child, wonder if the child will stop crying, ever get potty trained, stop getting in trouble, get better grades in school, or any other goals you have for them because we know that we always want the best for our children! But just continue to pray and be their parent (not best friend). As I always say there is one manual on parenthood, which is the Bible. The rest is you doing the very best that you can for your child! You can always call an audible and reverse the field, change directions, because you are always the one calling the plays! Then let God do the rest! Besides He choose you to be your babies parent and He NEVER makes mistakes!
Love your girl,
K. Lyte
