This month, I have committed to writing every day through the community at Two Writing Teachers. All are welcome to the March Slice of Life Challenge! One of the many things that I love about the Slice of Life Challenge is that it gives me the opportunity to peek into the lives of families who are younger than mine.
This morning, I read Beth's story about picking her son up from daycare and basking in the joy he had to see her. I look forward to Dana's stories because they focus on the small moments of humor and joy she finds in her girls' relationship, and Stacey always has a wonderful snippet to share about Isabelle. I miss those days. I miss the sticky-uppy hair. (My girls' hair is now coiffed, straightened, producted, braided...) I miss the bare feet and nightie. (The girls sleep in sweats and go to sleep after I do...) And I miss the unbridled, unselfconscious, ecstatic demonstrations of love.
Beth, Dana, Stacey, and many more of you remind me to find my moments, even with my teenagers--on May 27th, I will officially have FOUR of them.
Last night at dinner, we were all there, except for Larkin who is at college. Julia was sitting across the table from me, next to Clare, and I asked her a question. I don't remember what the question was. I don't remember the answer, either. What I do remember is that when I asked her to repeat her answer, Clare knew exactly what Julia had mumbled.
"How did you understand that?" my husband asked.
Across from me, the two of them laughed and bumped elbows.
"You just have to listen, Mom," Clare said.
Somehow, I think their communication involves more than listening.
And I celebrate.
Happy Slicing,
I'm even further along with empty nest. My daughters now text and talk without me. I am often left out of the loop. So sad. I miss the younger days, not so much the teen years. Those were tough with tough decisions and the constant tug and pull of social situations. I'm glad my girls are now working their way confidently in their worlds. But I do miss brushing hair. And the hugs!
ReplyDeleteI love the slightly mischievous look on your girls' faces in this picture. I don't have kids, but I do enjoy reading about others' lives and moments. I'm always a bit surprised that, instead of making me feel badly about what I don't have, it makes me think about all of the things I do have. And I really like teens so thanks for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteI sent my youngest off to college- my daughter- in the fall and totally miss that intimate talk that we enjoyed- finishing each other's sentences or even saying the same thing at the same time. Your post reminded me of that special communication we have with ones we love. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI sent my youngest off to college- my daughter- in the fall and totally miss that intimate talk that we enjoyed- finishing each other's sentences or even saying the same thing at the same time. Your post reminded me of that special communication we have with ones we love. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giggle. I have one off at college and two here at home and know just what you're talking about. :)
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I love this! They remind me so much of myself and my sister, Denise. She is just 2 years older than me, and we were thick as thieves growing up.
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm still writing about small moments of humor and joy when Maddie and Katie are the age of your girls!
Oh, Melanie, this is beautiful! I hope Jackson and Lily continue to know how to listen to each other, as your girls do, as they get older and older!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who sometimes gets lost in all the littleness at my house with a 5-year-old and 2-year-old, I enjoyed hearing about what it's like to have older children. Which, I know will be here soon enough...but...I enjoyed thinking about the connection my boys will have, just like your daughters. Nice slice!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who sometimes gets lost in all the littleness at my house with a 5-year-old and 2-year-old, I enjoyed hearing about what it's like to have older children. Which, I know will be here soon enough...but...I enjoyed thinking about the connection my boys will have, just like your daughters. Nice slice!
ReplyDeleteMiss you guys! ...And tell Clare that shirt looks cute on her ;)
ReplyDelete