A Step Back in Time

It's been years since we had four little ones in the house night and day, day after day...until this week. Don and I have had the joy (and responsibility!) of four of our grandkiddos. Four. At the same time. All day. All night. Continually...


We raised four kids: three were less than four years apart. Two of those were were 17 months apart. At the time I thought I would remember it all: the short (or long) nights, the continual jabbering, the daily baths, the three (at least) meals a day, the bedtime stories, combing the hair, washing the clothes, planning the meals...the loves, the hugs, the tears, the wipings....


I must admit that over the years all these details have slipped, have softened, have submerged into the recesses of 'past' as the 'current' of life daily rises and falls.


It was 3:09 p.m. The reason I know the exact time is that I was going to take my morning shower...finally...after three days of wanting to take a morning shower.  The house was clean, in a matter of speaking. The kids were bathed and fed...again. The dishwasher was humming and the aroma of fresh chocolate chips wafted through the air. The moment was there and I seized it....luxury. A shower. Alone. Ahhh.... The luxury abruptly ended at 3:21 p.m.  How do I know? The scuttling, laughter and running broke the illusion.  I was, again, "on call."


What have I relearned through continual time with four of my grandchildren? The importance of 'being.' The value of time. The joy of 'consistent.'  I applaud all moms.  My hat is off to Family. May you, 
"mom" rise to the privilege of parenting: love on your kiddos every day, remembering that this, too, will pass.  Your investment in time, energy and focus is worthy.  One day you will look back on this moment, this day.  May that future you be pleased with the mom you are now.