And just like that, some good things — and things I wasn’t looking forward to — ended.

The school holidays disappeared in a flash. Why only a week? My husband and son’s trip to the South African National Track Cycling Champs in Cape Town is now behind us. I’m so proud of my eldest, Erik, who brought home two silver medals and a bronze — such a big moment for him.

I hadn’t been looking forward to the nine days of solo parenting our three youngest, but they made it easy for me. We found our groove. We even had fun. I missed my husband terribly, but I’m also proud of how we managed — and of what that time gave us.

Whenever I think about time passing, there’s a quote that always comes to mind:

“When things are bad, remember: it won’t always be this way. Take one day at a time.
When things are good, remember: it won’t always be this way. Enjoy every great moment.”

Although I find it comforting, I’ll admit: sometimes it scares me too.

Because the idea that even the good won’t last is hard to accept. There are moments I want to hold onto with both hands and never let go. I don’t want them to pass. And yet… sometimes, when one good thing ends, it makes space for something else to begin. Or for a different kind of good. And sometimes, yes, it just leaves a gap. The hard part is not knowing.

But every now and then, something gives us a glimpse of just how much time has passed — scary, uncertain, and all — and reminds us that we made it through. Through the good and the bad. And that, somehow, most of it turned out okay.

Last week, we received our new annual family photos. Every year, I say it’s the best set we’ve ever had — and yes, I know how ridiculous that sounds — but this year’s really is the best we’ve ever had.

My youngest turns eleven this year, which means we’ve had more than a decade of photos as a family of six. Looking back through them, it’s so clear that nothing stayed the same. The kids grew up — as they should — but Derik and I changed too. Not just in how we look, but in who we are.

I remember moments I thought we’d never get through. And others I wanted to freeze and keep forever. There were good things that ended so painfully, I wasn’t sure I’d ever process the loss — and yet, I did. Someone asked me recently when my youngest suddenly grew up, she has turned into a beautiful young lady, and I replied, “When we weren’t looking.” Isn’t that exactly how it goes?

I often feel stuck. Like nothing is moving and I’m not making any progress. That feeling can be so frustrating, but it’s never the whole picture; it is just a feeling. Things can’t stay the same forever. It’s impossible. I’ve got a whole collection of photos to prove it.

At some point, things shift. They have to. The only question is: will it get better, or worse? And yes, that uncertainty still scares me. It probably always will. 

When last did you noticed how much has changed — and how far you’ve come?