Time seems to be in hyperdrive

Yesterday Sam stayed home with a sore throat and headache. He slept most of the morning. I went up to check on him and could hardly believe that he will be finished with middle school in 8 days. I remember vividly being 14 years old. I remember being in 8th grade, running track and the friends I made then and have recently reconnected with via Facebook. How can I be 43 years old already? My life has rocketed into middle age. I am a mom, wife, friend..... How did that happen? He will be entering High School in the fall and, could at age 14 qualify for a "school driving permit". How can that be? Sam is my oldest. He was the first to do so many things. I remember taking him to preschool at the Science Center, dropping him at the Downtown School. I just laid down beside him and snuggled with him. He was always a very cuddly baby. I know that I am beyond that snuggling now, but time seems to have gone by so fast, I wanted to take advantage of what may be one of the last chances. Sam has grown into a sweet young man and I want to foster that as long as possible. His teachers seem to enjoy him and he has made some good friends at school. He will be entering Southeast Polk High School, his dad's alma mater. This time of life seemed so far away. I am down to 4 Christmases until he graduates from High School. Wow. I feel like I am running out of time to shape his character and help him learn how to make his own decisions. I pray that Scott and I are able to leave a legacy with each of our boys so they are able to successfully leave the nest and make a difference in this world.