A blanket fort still stands in my bonus room turned playroom. I am amazed it has lasted this long with four very active under fives coming and going but the weather has been quite nice lately so we have spent much of our time together outdoors. It only took a few throw pillows, a quilt, …
Say I Love You
“You didn’t say I love you,” Amelia said, genuine concern in her voice and in her eyes. This was the second time she had chided me in front of her mom for failing to say I love you before ending a phone call. We were on the front porch for Amelia and Ezra to play …
All I’ve Ever Wanted
My mom and I were talking as we often do while I’m driving to visit my grandkids. Our conversation, as it so often does, turned to eternity. We worry and pray over the health and wellbeing of family and friends but an even more serious concern is spiritual health. I am 55 and a cancer …
Without Love
Chicks were hatching as we arrived at my parent’s house to see the new litter of puppies. It was hard for the adults, let alone the grandchildren, to decide where to look first. Little faces crowded around my dad as he lifted the lid from the incubator. Two downy chicks wobbled around one hatchling who …
Tales As Old As Time
“What are you doing?” It wasn’t a casual question expressing interest. The tone and timber of her voice let him know that he had crossed a line, though unseen. His actions and intentions had been called into question and he reacted badly. This scene plays out in a million storylines of television drama or film, …
Default Mode
The meltdown had come out of nowhere. His mom managed bath time as quickly as possible and held him through the snubs that followed. The embodiment of sheer exhaustion, Thomas climbed into bed, giggled once subconsciously, exhaled and was instantly asleep. Thomas will be three next week and he embraces life with such passion. He …
Employed & Exhausted
My youngest child taught me many things but one lesson in particular has come in handy with grandchildren. I was reminded of it when I read a piece of parenting advice recently. Summer days are long and older toddlers who have mostly given up napping need to be employed and exhausted daily or no one …
Know Real Love
Thomas is precious with his baby brother, Timothy. He has a special voice reserved for their conversations and thankfully, not at his usual volume. He wakes up wanting him and throughout the day, he wants to hold baby brother, with help, of course. He’s good for a few minutes of pure sweetness but when he’s …
Same Team
Thomas and Amelia are ten months and ten days apart in age. They’re often confused for siblings but they are cousins. Either set of parents could be theirs and one mom or the other is often asked when we’re together, “Are they both yours?” If either answered yes, no one would question it because they …
Wait For It
Contemplative. If one word could define a person, this is me. My mom recalls my first grade teacher (also her first grade teacher) informing her that I routinely stared out the window of her classroom. She thought I was daydreaming, but when she asked a direct question of me, I promptly gave the correct response. …
A Fitting Reply 