I'm (mostly) all talk.
The V-meister, the J-dog, and their father are the best thing that's ever happened to me.
At this moment, I have everything I've ever truly wanted in life.
When you have small children, people whose own kids are grown and out of the house often gaze fondly upon your babies, replacing their faces with fuzzy, haloed memories of their own.
They admonish you to cherish this crazy, hectic, joyous, innocent, and fleeting time.
I always smile and say I'm trying.
This week alone, I was reminded by three strangers on three separate occasions to treasure it while it lasts.
Was it the V-meister and J-dog's guileless delight as the clerk at the European import store rang up the tiny chocolates they had picked out themselves that compelled her to warn me of time's swift and sure passage?
Or the way the J-dog looked at me with a proud sense of accomplishment after pressing the correct elevator button that prompted our fellow department store shopper to impart the same advice?
Was it the way the V-meister called after her dawdling little brother as we left, then returned to take him by the hand?
Maybe it was just their bare and honest joy.
Despite all attempts to freeze them in time, I know these years will soon recede behind the gauzy veil of memory.
I don't want to be the woman shaking a graying head wistfully at the young frazzled mother wrangling her tots through the supermarket line.
But one day, I will be.
Is it ever really possible to live fully in the moment and yet capture for posterity the true essence of these most poignant frames of life?
I want to push aside the grouchy, tired, and ever-anticipating part of myself, the better to recognize what is lovely and winsome about this time that one day soon will be a long time past.
I need to remember this.
16 comments:
They're so beautiful.
As was this post.
just lovely.
it is hardto remember, sometimes, which is why when I was at my grouchiest this evening, all alone with MQ (abandoned my her father who is off visiting other family) and BORED, that I announced we would eat our leftovers in front of the fire, in front of the TV, then go for a walk and come back and drink hot chocolate. The payoff? MQ saying to me "this walk was a GREAT idea mama" and later "hot chocolate was a GREAT idea mama"
the highest praise I think she has ever given me. twice in one night.
thankful, I am.
It is good to be reminded. And this was a beautiful reminder.
I wish I could hold on to some moments forever. Especially since some people warn me of things to come as my little girl gets older.
"The days are long, but the years are short."
Reminders to treasure each moment can work magic - they made you think about it and write this lovely post.
And your kids *are* beautiful.
Hugs, Heidi
Oh no, you made me all teary eyed. What gorgeous kids!
I think we all need the reminders once in awhile.
Great post - sweet picture!
You've got some beautiful babies there, Rimster.
Is it ever really possible to live fully in the moment and yet capture for posterity the true essence of these most poignant frames of life?
Yes. It's hard though. But worth it. :)
Amen, amen, amen.
Your kids are gorgeous.
Oh, what a sweet post! You have a lot to be thankful for.
So sweet! And such cuties! You sure have a lot to be thankful for.
They are gorgeous. Yes, you certainly have a couple of treasures there!
What a wonderful post!
Rimarama, this was indeed a perfect post. Perfect. I agree, everyone, with older children always tells us to treasure every sleepless night. You so captured that.
What beautiful children. You conveyed how I feel everytime I see R's eyes light up with exquisite delight over something that is so NEW to her. It's like seeing everything all over again myself! Thanks for writin this!
With faces like that, its easy to feel that way. Great post!
Post a Comment