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When We Will Not See

“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” -Neil Postman

My babies.

You didn’t even know that I took this picture of you.

You pose for pictures all the time with silly smiles and savvy style. I really, really like those shots and even taking the selfie version of them with you. But it’s the moments like this one – that you didn’t even realize was happening – that I love the most.

Here you were waiting for a swim lesson, which was running late. It was hot out there at the pool. So hot. Miami in summer hot. In my head, I was doing the whining and complaining I always beg you not to do. You were so patient.  

Picture-perfect:

Big Sis put her arm around Little Brother. On her own while we waited. Just because. Just because she was reminding him not to be nervous for his lesson and that she’d be right there.

And he edged in closer to her. Just because. Just because he was reminding her that he likes his view from there with her arm around him and that he’d be right there.

You’ve been like his second little mama since the day he was born. And you’ve been her partner in fun and kindness (and crime) since the day you arrived.

And now the only roles we want you two to share are best friends forever. It’s ok for you to argue and debate and fight. They say it’s healthy and good for you. But also laugh with, protect and love on one another. You have the gift of each other. And the gift Daddy and I pray for in return is that you’ll always have each other’s backs, even (especially) when it’s the time we will not see.

 

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Filling Up

As I turn on the ignition – with two giggling, hurried kids in the backseat strapping themselves into car seats (I swear they were babies like a split second ago, and it feels like we were dreaming of them to even exist a second before then, and I know it was only a minute before then that we were in our 20s living it up in NYC with these little people as amazing visions of a tomorrow on a far away horizon) – I pray that I have all the bags, mini waffles that I know no one will eat and miscellaneous items that the three of us need for the day because we are not turning around to go back home once this rocket ship of a minivan takes off for another Monday morning.

Everything is hectic. Everyone is rushed. But happy. A Michael Jackson mashup is blaring through Pandora for MJ’s littlest biggest fans to dance in their seats.

We’re so hurried. So on the go. And I never grabbed anything to eat on the way. So running on empty.

But I’m already full. I may not have eaten breakfast, but I feel full.

Because in the midst of this manic Monday morning, I look down at my dash and see that my amazing husband must have filled up my gas tank at some point yesterday. He never told me he was going to and never told me after he did it. He just saw my car would need gas in a couple days and thought to take care of it so I wouldn’t have to during the week. Or so I wouldn’t have to at all.

I make him crazy with my unsolicited criticisms and comments and opinions. And, yet. And yet he goes and does stuff like this. I do realize how fortunate I am to have such a partner. I hope he and all of my loved ones feel the gratitude I have for them when I too offer similar TLC.

We are not wealthy but, indeed, our life is rich. Our life is not easy but, indeed, our challenges are nothing compared to what real heroes face and battle. My life is full.  My cup runneth over. I count my blessings, and I feel blessed. 

And now I’m also hungry. Thank goodness for cold frozen mini waffles.

 

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Waking up to your own byline is pretty amazing. 

Waking up to your own byline is pretty amazing. 

SO…before my daughter and I (again) watch Meghan become a real princess, or before I run off to another kid’s birthday party, do homework with my pre-Kindergartener or set aside Sunday night to catch up on work or – better yet – to snuggle up with my kiddos and husband for a movie on the couch while it rains for the 10th day in a row, with much joy I share my first article with HerViewFromHome.com: a beautiful website that offers good reads, opportunities to smile (or tear up), and reason to escape for a couple minutes of scrolling.

Please view, like and even share my piece. I hope it sheds a small ray of light on the meaning of enjoying the right now. Thanks so much! And congrats to Meghan and Harry!

I’m Savoring This Time With My Toddler…Even Though I’m Tired