November brought spring to our part of the world this week. There were two fights on the Elementary school playground yesterday, as if the weather itself has stirred the restlessness of our children. Andrew avoided involvement, but he prides himself on thorough reporting. Another mother from his class confirmed the second hand reports,
“Oh, yes, I heard there was lots of blood. Unbelievable.”
Spring this week, with all of its glory.
The kids and I walked down to the park in our neighborhood. I am President of the Association here, so I try to walk the property as frequently as possible.
“Mom, wasn’t that so cool when we cleaned up the park, and everyone painted it?”
“Yes, it was.”
We entered a 13-acre park with a playground, baseball diamond, and pavilion. Amazing people live in our neighborhood. You know, the kind of people who show up with tools and donate paint and run out and buy donuts to celebrate. We have a few of the other kind too. Yes, yes, we all know about them. We make excuses for them and some people deserve the excuses, but we try not to judge. We try not, even if our minds do it by accident, and we reserve our opinions.
My children have not met them yet.
The sun sets early now and soon the November chill penetrated the stillness. The only leaves rustling lay under our muddy feet. George held my hand.
I enjoyed the walk home in the cool evening air, but my thoughts were on starting dinner, encouraging homework, perhaps a load of laundry yet. Seeing our house from a distance, I saw a humble home. Not a home that pumps the chest large with pride, just a nice home. A home that works out pretty well for us, but cannot be the castle of a child’s dreams. A light was left on, betraying the warmth within.
Andrew and Gladys ran up ahead, leaving George and I hand in hand a whole driveway behind.
“Let’s check this one out, Gladys. It looks perfect for us!”
“Oh, yes, Andrew, I like the pumpkins on the porch!”
“Mom, I think we should buy this one, don’t you think?” they ran to the door, squealing with delight, pretending to find our home for the very first time.
By the time I arrived, they were upstairs finding their bedroom. They ran from room to room.
“Mom! Look, there is a great guest room up here, and sewing stuff, and even a guest bed!”
I heard Gladys’ footsteps running behind Andrew.
“And, there are TWO bathrooms up here. One for the big people and one for us too!”
From every room I heard their surprised voices describing how incredibly, unbelievably, stupendously, fantastic every detail in our house fits our family like a well-worn glove. Like a prince and princess exploring their very own castle.
I closed the window against the November chill, and started dinner.
“Oh, yes, I heard there was lots of blood. Unbelievable.”
Spring this week, with all of its glory.
The kids and I walked down to the park in our neighborhood. I am President of the Association here, so I try to walk the property as frequently as possible.
“Mom, wasn’t that so cool when we cleaned up the park, and everyone painted it?”
“Yes, it was.”
We entered a 13-acre park with a playground, baseball diamond, and pavilion. Amazing people live in our neighborhood. You know, the kind of people who show up with tools and donate paint and run out and buy donuts to celebrate. We have a few of the other kind too. Yes, yes, we all know about them. We make excuses for them and some people deserve the excuses, but we try not to judge. We try not, even if our minds do it by accident, and we reserve our opinions.
My children have not met them yet.
The sun sets early now and soon the November chill penetrated the stillness. The only leaves rustling lay under our muddy feet. George held my hand.
I enjoyed the walk home in the cool evening air, but my thoughts were on starting dinner, encouraging homework, perhaps a load of laundry yet. Seeing our house from a distance, I saw a humble home. Not a home that pumps the chest large with pride, just a nice home. A home that works out pretty well for us, but cannot be the castle of a child’s dreams. A light was left on, betraying the warmth within.
Andrew and Gladys ran up ahead, leaving George and I hand in hand a whole driveway behind.
“Let’s check this one out, Gladys. It looks perfect for us!”
“Oh, yes, Andrew, I like the pumpkins on the porch!”
“Mom, I think we should buy this one, don’t you think?” they ran to the door, squealing with delight, pretending to find our home for the very first time.
By the time I arrived, they were upstairs finding their bedroom. They ran from room to room.
“Mom! Look, there is a great guest room up here, and sewing stuff, and even a guest bed!”
I heard Gladys’ footsteps running behind Andrew.
“And, there are TWO bathrooms up here. One for the big people and one for us too!”
From every room I heard their surprised voices describing how incredibly, unbelievably, stupendously, fantastic every detail in our house fits our family like a well-worn glove. Like a prince and princess exploring their very own castle.
I closed the window against the November chill, and started dinner.
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4 comments:
Pinch me. I thought I was there.
You are lucky to have such a warm, nice house. :) Lots of love there.
It was if I was at your home! I say it again...you are a great writer!
Your home seems soooo warm even though a slight chill outside ;)
What a wonderful story.
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