It rained for three days. Then there was a huge (as in 6 inches deep huge) puddle in front of our house by the road. On Monday afternoon, on the way to get Ethan from the bus stop, Benji looked longingly at it. I took about 3 seconds to think about and decided the mess would be worth it. "Benji, go stomp in that puddle!"I said, and he did.
The bus arrived, and Ethan got off. I encouraged Ethan to play it in too. He put down his backpack and ran in. They kicked the water around and chased each other through the water. Fiona got heavy, so I put her down next to a tiny puddle on the cement. I half-smiled as her pants and socks get muddy and her diaper bulged with water.
As I watched Ethan and Benji playing so happily, I felt something strange that I wish I could feel more often. My body couldn't help a genuine smile and a sigh of happiness. I felt completely happy for a moment. The kids were experiencing bliss, and by watching them experience it, I had it too. Pure bliss.
I even called my mother and said, "The boys are playing in a giant puddle, and it reminds me of my childhood. I have so many fond memories of playing in rain water and taking a shower under the gutter with my swim suit on. I'm so glad you weren't the kind of mother who said, 'Don't play in the dirt!' 'Don't get wet!' 'You'll ruin your clothes!'" We had lots of fun as kids, and didn't feel squelched in our playtime, and I still treasure those memories today.
I have tried for a long time to see particular moments as special moments, and then savor and treasure them. And I savored this one. I sighed again, and laughed at the boys, and how could I forget who allowed this: "God, thank you for this moment."
Once the laundry is clean, you can get it back, but missing a chance to create memories and have real fun ... ya can't get that back.
So, here's to lots more chances to savor sweet moments with our kids while they create a fond memory.
If you have a particular memory of your childhood that you treasure, or if you've recently created a new one, share it.
6 comments:
Glad you remembered what you and our kids did while you were growing up - your African heritage comes with lots of pluses!
I love this! It is sooooooo hard but sometimes we just need to let go as mothers. Thank you for this. It has made me rethink something I did with Sydnee this morning. She wanted to wear a skirt to school today over her stretch pants and I didn't let her because it didn't match and her heart was crushed. In hindsight I think did it really have to match if it would have made her happy? What does it matter?!?! I love you Hope! Thanks again for sharing!
How fun! Tristan LOVED seeing pictures of Benji. Last week he asked if he could play with him. Too bad you are on the other side of the country. :( Also, thanks for the Christmas card. It was good to hear from you!
Thanks for this reminder, Hope! I agree with Aicia, it's hard to let go.
As I was reading this, Katherine and Jude were playing outside. They've been running up the steep hill outside our apartment, throwing pine cones down, pulling leaves and flowers off plants, and playing with water . . . All this instead of some of the homeschool lessons I had planned. Kids are only young once!
Thanks for this post Hope. It's those glimpses of bliss and joy that keep us going. The mess it totally worth it.
I like this post very much. I also like puddles.
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