Look Forward

We all look forward to some time, some thing, or some trip.
I look forward to many things throughout the year.
Recently I recall looking forward to: payday,
A daytrip to the coast,
My adult kids visiting,
A long hot shower,
Camping in the mountains,
Clean sheets on my bed,
A trip back to Kansas,
Christmas break,
And a Home cooked meals at my sisters to name a few.

I'll be honest, 
In the last 3 decades I don't recall looking forward to a particular YEAR...such as I can't wait for 
1984, 1997, or 2012.
I haven't thought to myself,
I can't wait until 2017.
Do you think like that or is it just me?

Recently I heard my daughter say,
"I can't wait for 2011! I thought it would never come."
I looked at her quizzically and she looked at me with certainty. Until the light went on for me.
Oh! 
She is a high school senior this year. Now it makes sense!
The day she entered kindergarten she learned about counting down the years and looking forward.
Since 1998 she has looked forward to the year 2011.
Since 1998 she has looked forward to THIS year!
 
I never really gave it much thought.
I suppose I gave some consideration and looked forward to the year 1999.
Partly due to the whole Y2K hype. (Remember Y2K?) 
And partly due to 1999 being the graduation year of my oldest daughter.
I love my eight children. 
Not just love them, 
but I REALLY love them. 
Admittedly though, I am not the best mom in the world. 
Having 8 children lends itself to lessened enthusiasm at times.
I have had 5 children go through their senior year.
I wish I felt as enthusiastic with number 6.
I wish my feeling of excitement was as intense now with #6 as with my oldest.
I suppose the trade off is a bit more wisdom.
I may not be as excited, but I also am not as fearful.

What I can say is... 
I am now more aware.
I am now looking forward to 2011 as much as my daughter.
And I will now share in her enthusiasm for the year to come and all that brings to a young woman in her senior year of high school.

What are you looking forward to?