You get 940 weeks
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In true “me” fashion, I've had this post in my Drafts for almost exactly a year. In all honesty, it wasn't a post, it was just a link. The link to this article, which was published one year ago this weekend.
I knew I had to write this, but it's taken me until now to do it.
The jist: Childhood is 940 weeks long. That's it.
The author of the book in that article talks about Saturdays, but for me, our life is measured in Thursdays.
Tomorrow is #257.
We are more than a quarter of the way through our 940.
Or, look at it this way:
There it is.
Max's entire life up until he turns 18. That's all I get. Look how far in we are already! Look at the first line; his entire time in the NICU only takes up half the top line. Those all-consuming days recede more and more into the background with each passing week.
Looking at an entire childhood in an image like this is sobering and makes you think, doesn't it? An entire YEAR takes up only 2 lines on this image. 2 tiny lines. Imagine the changes happening during those 2 rows! Every single memory I have of Max is included in those 10 rows of photos.
I know that parenting won't end for me on April 17, 2026, but it's certainly the end of an important stage. I think my job, as a mom, is to do the best I can with the time I have.
What are you doing with your 940 weeks?
This brought tears to my eyes!! What a way to pinpoint childhood. Good job!!
Thanks Laura! It’s so easy to lose track amidst the confusion of life!
All I can say is….wow….
Right?
That photo really drives it home. I’m really trying to treasure the time with my boys(even when they make me crazy).
Exactly! I just keep reminding myself that some day, I’ll miss the questions.
wow..it’s hard to believe in the middle of all this childhood chaos that it will ever be over isn’t it?
Maybe I should start taking more pictures. 🙂
xo
It’s why I’ve been trying to use my “big” camera more, after using my iPhone almost exclusively for the last 6 months! I love looking at my old photos, and want Max to be able to do the same! It all goes too fast.
Oh, Lizz…seriously, you KNOW how I get this.
Max, SLOW DOWN. Make the Thursdays come less often.
Right? He was calculating his birthdays the other day on a measuring tape. “I’m almost 5… and then I’ll be 6! And then I’ll be 7! And then I’ll be 8 and look it’s only this long on the tape!” Dude. I need more than 3 inches!
Looking at those little picture squares made it all too real for me! Thank you for a wonderful, inspiring post. I wandered over from Aiming Low and will be back again soon!
Aww, thanks Stephanie! And thanks for stopping by!
Hi Lizz
I think your Thursday photos of Max are fantastic, such a lovely reminder of the special day when he was born. Just planning my son’s 7th birthday party and your Death Star Pinata is just what I need, thanks very much
940 weeks? I’m almost haflway there with my daughter and a quarter with my son. I will definitely keep this as a reminder on days that feel endless or when tantrums arise at what I would call the wrong moment. Thank you! xo