ONLY YESTERDAY: Evolution of a New Generation

Introduction

  As I sat sipping a cup of coffee, I found myself reflecting. The years have flown past so quickly. I can hardly believe my babies are grown adults; out there living their own life's pleasures and pains.

  I find myself missing them. Yes, even the messy house and my phone and doorbell clanging simultaneously! I must admit I enjoy a nicely quiet and semi-neat home, but occasionally all this peace and quiet, which enables me to write, does seem depressing.

  I believe I gave my children the most precious gift of all, after life, by learning to let them go. That doesn't mean I'll stopped caring, worrying or loving them until the day I die. It just means I'll leave them be to make their own lives, suffer their own individual anguish and joy with the knowledge that Mom is always waiting quietly in the wings in times of need.

  This book was born today from these reflections. I decided it was time to dig through old notes and memories; rewrite, revise and hopefully add a few thoughts of today.

  I hope that all of you who take this journey with me will be able to relate, reflect and remember . . . making this journey enjoyable and hopefully bring some of your very own memories alive again for you and your family.

 ONLY YESTERDAY              

Wasn't it only yesterday

you both were so small?

It had to be --

last month I was pregnant!

Today...

I watched you

board school buses,

so grown-up and independent.

Graduation Day

is too soon drawing near --

In two years a second;

you'll be off to college, work.

I can't imagine

only one of you home --

then

neither of you?

Yesterday

I kissed your hurts away,

cleaned your bloodied knees --

Now it's broken hearts.

How can that be?

How could you both

have grown so rapidly --

After all, I'm only twenty-five!

You're both doing

proms,

looking so magnificent --

too grown-up for me.

Wasn't it 

Only Yesterday

I donned my prom gown,

Graduation dress?

Diane L. Krueger grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey. After attending college in New York State she returned to New Jersey where she has resided for the past thirty-four years.

Ms. Krueger has this writing related column in print since 1993. It is currently running in several writers' publications. She has sold many articles to The National Writer's Association. Several of her articles have appeared overseas, as well as her writing related column being previously run in a publication in England. She has been a guest columnist in many publications that do not carry her column on a steady basis. The electronic book of her widely read column, Growing Pains: Germination of A Writer, is now available from any book store.

Ms. Krueger was poetry editor for Writer's World Magazine until it ceased publication, as well as a freelance featured writer for Starburst Magazine, under her name and pen name, Leslie Ann Michaels, along with several other publications.

Ms. Krueger has been heard on radio stations Z-100, W X M C and W C T C. She has also served as poetry judge for many publishers and been the final judge for The National Writer’s Association's annual poetry competition.

Her poetry and articles are read widely and she is the recipient of many awards for her writings.

Ms. Krueger has a large following both as a poet and prose writer.

Ms. Krueger is currently working on the finishing touches of her novel Reflections, soon to be released. She is also working on another novel.