This morning, I had a doctor’s appointment, ran some errands, then took my boys to meet friends for lunch. We chatted for an hour or so, watching our children play happily, thinking of the coming birthday and holiday celebrations. I came home, settled my little guys, looked at my phone for the first time all day, and my heart broke.
There’s nothing to say in the midst of this, but I thought of my former students, and my time spent in classrooms, and that reminded me of this speech by Lois Lowry. I read it again just now, in the quiet of my home while my boys are playing with Ryan at the park, and somehow, it comforts me. I also found this one, written in late fall 2001. Lowry seems to understand the complexities of children in our crazy world.
Sometimes, when there’s nothing left to say, the written words of others are enough, and I offer these to comfort you. Today.
(The boys hiding in leaves at Papa’s party.)
This week was crazy busy as we prepared for the boys’ last day of school and Christmas parties, and a joint birthday party for James and Ryan coming on Saturday. I stayed up way too late most nights, but I crossed a ton off my To-Do list, and I’m looking forward to the weekend. Here are the things that caught my attention this week, and a few are very personal.
First, first, first! My dear friend, Melek, gave birth to her sweet baby boy (her third!) last Sunday, at home. This is the delightful ending to a personal journey for her, and she shares her story here. Congratulations, Melek!
Next, I volunteered as a writer for Blog Trends, an amazing resource for bloggers, and my first piece was posted this week! You know I love to blog about blogging! Check out Blog Trends and their fun Twitter Chat every Monday night at 8 pm CST.
Here are some gorgeous photographs inspired by the work of Edward Hopper.
And here’s a fascinating story about Charles Schultz. You know, Snoopy’s dad.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
(Ryan took this picture of our sweet boy.)
Our precious first child turns four this weekend, and I really can’t believe it! Over the past year, he transformed from a toddler into a boy who is growing constantly before my very eyes. I look at him when he’s sleeping, and I still catch a glimpse of that tiny baby who forever changed my life, our lives, in 2008, and I’m so grateful to know him. James is stubborn and strong-willed, but he’s quiet and intelligent, too, and despite our typical three-year-old battles, he still runs to me when he’s hurt, asks for hugs when he is sad, and lets me tuck him in at night.
Most nights, I still sing his song to him, James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James,” and now, my James knows all the words and sings it with me. Sometimes, he asks me to sing something else instead, and that’s okay. He’s growing up and away from me, and I know I have to accept that. One day, he won’t need me to tuck him in at all, so I treasure the time I have with him right now.
I love you so much, sweet boy. Have a wonderful birthday!
