This is a tribute to all my “moms” and all my “kids,” and an encouragement to be the drop in a bucket that tipped the scales that helped someone know they’re good, good, good just as they are.
Sometimes kids are like visiting deer. Certain telltale signs show how connected we are, no matter how different our lives may be.
- While maintaining their independence, they still keep an eye on you.
- They’re indescribably beautiful, giving us pause just by being there.
- Sometimes they eat the good stuff without remembering to share, and life goes on.
These three deer visited my yard last year. Though somebody has nibbled on my fuchsias, I haven’t actually seen any deer yet this Spring. Sometimes I wonder:
- Did they live?
- Are they happy?
- Will they eat my lily buds again this year?
Bread on the Waters
Some of my favorite mom years have been rich in honorary sons and daughters. I loved the years when small people stopped by to show off an owie or cool new shoes, or to share some kid-level meaning-of-life revelation. Or, there was the year I brought Mother’s Day flowers to a friend who’d been like a big sister during stressful times.
Though we’ve moved to different towns and regions and lost track of each other, at times I ache to know what their lives are like now.
- Did they live?
- Are they happy?
- Who is in college? Who became a teen parent?
- Is anyone bringing them flowers this Mother’s Day?
Memories of day-in, day-out work fade and the smiles and cares remain. The impact of knowing those people remains in my heart and in the way I live today. Hopefully, some of the good of interacting with me has remained with them.
Let the cares go and give thanks. Love the flow. Love being a drop in a bucket that tipped the scales that helped someone know they’re good, good, good just as they are.
Next weekend I’m starting a series of “Brunch” posts that will feature thoughts about balancing family and self care with working in an always-on Internet environment. Please join me! Subscribe to my RSS feed.