Waiting at the Bus Stop (and Watching My Kids Grow Up)

This morning felt a little different. I dropped off my son and, on the way back, passed by the bus stop where my daughter Emily, brand new to 6th grade, was dutifully waiting. Normally it’s her dad who drives by, but I had a Chamber of Commerce networking meeting today, so our schedule shifted.

Seeing her standing there: backpack on, hair brushed, looking so grown-up and so ready, made me pause. She’s our middle schooler now. My 8th grade son also rides the bus, but his approach is a little… different. He’d rather hang out at the house until the very last second, then sprint like crazy to the stop. It’s kind of his M.O.

Even now, with his sister waiting too, he shrinks into the shadows when my husband drives by. If my husband calls out, “I love you!” she beams and squeals with joy, while my 13-year-old’s whole body language screams, “Please don’t see me. I don’t exist.” Classic teenage stealth mode.

I can’t help but wonder how long it will take before Emily starts to shrink back, too. How long before she’s embarrassed to have her dad call out to her at the bus stop. Or maybe she never will.

I never went through that phase with my parents. They never tried to embarrass me, and I was never ashamed of them. Maybe it’ll be the same for Emily. Her perspective on life shifted years ago when she was so sick. Six weeks in the hospital. Way too close to death.

Everything turned out wonderfully, through the intercession of Jesus. We’ve told her story often; she knows it well. She knows she was saved—physically saved—and she carries that knowledge with her every day. I think it makes her grateful. Joyful. Alive in a way that most kids don’t think about at her age.

Maybe that’s why she still smiles at her dad from the bus stop. Maybe that’s why she might never roll her eyes when we wave or call out, “I love you!” Maybe she’ll keep standing there, proud, unashamed, and joyful.

This morning, seeing her waiting there was just another reminder: our kids are growing up. They’re changing. They’re their own people. And sometimes, we get these small, quiet moments where we see who they’re becoming.

And it’s beautiful.

--

Think of this as your reset button. Step away from the laundry, the schedules, the noise, and let me give you a day that’s about you. By the time you leave, you’ll have portraits that capture the version of yourself you want to remember forever.

_______________________

Kristian is a mom of six, Program Manager by day, active Professional Photographer by trade, and a big believer in finding beauty in the everyday chaos.

Life in our house is loud, messy and full of literally everything. Love, noise, laundry, laughter, and definitely could use a bit more grace. I'm happily married to my best friend, grounded in my Catholic faith, and fueled by five to six hours of sleep per night and adrenaline.

I try to find joy in the everyday — even when it's wild, because without the little bit of joy, this life would be unbearable. This space is for the moms in the middle of it all: the ones juggling family, faith, work, and wonder. The ones that need someone else's messy life to make their own seem better or somewhat normal. You're not alone, and you're doing better than you think.

Welcome to Six Sweet Smiles — where we celebrate the mess, the miracles, and everything in between.