I'm reading a Jodi Picoult book a friend recently swapped to me. I've never read her before and while it is a far cry from the literature my mind has been wrapped around for the last few months, I am really enjoying it...it's refreshing to read for the sake of getting lost in a book. Some of her words catch me and pull me into my own memories of when my children were small. Before I know it I've re-read the same paragraph remembering the sweet sounds of Kristin softly singing herself to sleep after she had been tucked in and Erik as he went around the house "fixing" things...tapping on door hinges and tightening screws.
Heaven knows we were always "under construction."
Jodi writes -- Sometimes when you pick up your child you can feel the map of your own bones beneath your hands, or smell the scent of your skin in the nape of his neck. This is the most extraordinary thing about motherhood--finding a piece of yourself separate and apart that all the same you could not live without.
Now that Erik is away at college and Kristin is preparing to leave next month I realize the sounds I have learned to appreciate are the distinct sounds their cars make when they arrive at the house and the sound of flip-flops as they make their way up the walk.
Time certainly has a way of negotiating the simplicity of a smile.
14 comments:
I'm not looking forward to my daughter's departure in a year. Or my son's and step-daughter's in two...
It's hard to appreciate, in the moment, the various "sounds" I have come accustomed to. Like everyone else I know, you don't really start hearing them until they're gone.
Such a beautiful post, Joni. And, when I look at your picture I can hardly believe you have grown children!
I'm glad you're enjoying reading this summer. :)
You have a wonderful way with words. I am not looking forward to my son's departure in two or three years. He recently informed us he wants to go away a year early. Yee Gads!
WoW...I love it! I love to sneak a kiss or rub his arm when he's sleeping, cause he just wont let me do that any more, I wonder why? Now Amanda....when I hug her, kiss her cheeks that feel like satin, hug on her, I can remember those days, I miss those days so much, more on some then others. What a beautiful post...
Love ya~
Nettie
Beautiful words.
i have yet to read one of her books....but i love the passage you shared....so beautiful!.....there were days i wished i could have just one day when they were all little.....just to saturate myself with memories without the business or demands of the day as a mommy....but now i have grandbabies...and it is like deja vu(ous).....God's gift to let us enjoy them again, without the same obligations and responsibilities.....and boy have i been blessed!
it is hard when your children fly the nest, but their story isn't finished....and neither are the memories and experiences you will add to your book.
hugs dear joni,
kimberly
Oh Joni, that journal has got to keep going, you sure hit home for me today, yet again.
As a Mom whose children left the house long ago - I've come to understand the distance that adulthood enforces on parent and child are necessary for both to continue to grow. But those moments that you quoted are so tender that they transcend time. The moment of knowing that this dear child is separate part of you is like no other knowing in the world. An unforgettable piece of time!
You write such a tender blog - hope you keep it up!
My boys are 44 and 40 and in my mind I go back to those days of soft breath on my cheek! There is never a day in the life of a Mother that we do not venture back into those days........ Sometimes I cry and sometimes I smile........
Lovely post! My anticipation of sadness to come when the empty nest approached never developed. Mine started filling the nest right back up again.
It is hard to see them go but they will be back. I remember when my oldest son left for school in AZ . I was so sad and sit in his room and cried for three days and then he came home (8 hours) to vegas where we lived then on a weekend and it didn't seem so bad. IF he could come back that made it better.
What a lovely post Joni.
God Bless you tender heart
Patti
Beautifully stated, Joni.... you do come to appreciate all of those little things...they grow up so fast and stay grown-up forever... oh, to have a day back when they were little...seems like forever ago...
Thank you for you sweet comments today...and your offer for the pup made me laugh, which I needed...you are a sweet lady to cheer me up! Bless you!
: ))
VB
At my job I've spent about 10 hours this week hanging up Christmas ornaments on their display wall. Everytime I see the dragonfly ones I think of you!
This bit is painfully tough for me right now. Frequent dreams of; reminders of (from books, movies, and observations); and uninvited memories of my lost children, have been visiting some sorrowful and painful days upon me, of late. I do adore the delicate beauty of your reflections. Such a lovely thing ... loving Family.
You make my Being fuller and richer ... [smile]
Post a Comment