Childhood.

Learning to be. Learning to stand.

Learning to read. Holding Mom’s hand.

First day of school. No turning back.

Do I still need a nap?

Adolescence.

Noticing him, noticing me.

Chaste kiss. Trembling hands.

Out of control. Off goes the light.

Am I doing it right?

New Adulthood.

Graduation. Celebration.

Commencement. Real world education.

Hard knocks. Easy-life temptation.

Where am I even heading?

A Decade of Pining.

Finding love. Losing lose.

Making love. Failing love.

Heart bruising. Heart breaking.

How long is this supposed to be taking?

Climbing.

Earn a degree. Land that first job.

Work all the hours. Head down in a fog.

Skill building. Ladder climbing.

Is that the glass ceiling?

Yearning.

Clock is ticking. Eggs are shedding.

In a hurry. In a scurry.

Practical love. Take the next steps.

We haven’t lost all the romance, yet.

New Motherhood.

Babies come. Fill your arms.

Rob your sleep. Steal your wits.

Feeding babies from your tits.

When did my body stop being mine?

Living for the Kids.

Soccer practice. Baseball games.

“Can my friend sleepover?” Video games.

Still sleep deprived. Still beaming with pride.

When will there be enough time?

Letting it Go.

Full time job. Full time mom.

“What’s for dinner?” “Do I have to?”

Constant pushing. Constant rushing.

Can my body sustain this pace?

Getting Sick.

Spreading out. Getting fat.

Need a Motrin for my back.

Diabetes. Heart disease.

Did I ruin it beyond repair?

Is this Middle Life?

Did I Cross the Line?