Inspiration for this post goes to my daughter~
Sam has taught me many things in life, from how to persist for 20+ years at something I have no idea how to do (being a parent) to the magic of yoga pants (All the warmth of a sweater! All the comfort of not wearing pants!).
When she was little, we bought our first house. As I was signing papers atop my soon-to-be-mine kitchen sink, she handed the realtor her piggy bank to help pay for it. (When she got her own apartment, I gave her a carboy filled with change in return and we had a good cry.) She’s wise in that feisty sort of way that says of course it’s possible; why wouldn’t it be?
When the craziness of the virus hit, I called her. She was still working at a bakery that insisted on staying open with only modest adjustments. I worried about her safety. (Being a mom doesn’t get easier as they get older, I’ve learned. You just worry from a distance.)
She told me all the things you tell a mom in this situation. How careful she is. How often she’s washing her hands. How large the bottle of lavender essential oil hand sanitizer in her purse is.
And then she went on a tangent-rant, as she is wont to do.
“My boss always complained she couldn’t get the floors refinished because she’d have to close the dining room. She said we’d lose money. Well, now the dining room is closed and we’re losing money. So, why doesn’t she finish the damn floors?!“
See? Wise.
Leave it to a youngin’ to school you on what to do in times like these. Not that refinished floors are so important. But what is? What have you been telling yourself you’d do if you only had the time?
I will sheepishly admit it was mere months ago when I secretly wished for more time to pursue personal projects. Well, sometimes you get what you wish for.
Yay, I agree! I actually feel more at peace, knowing I HAVE to stay home…meaning, I can stay home like I often do, but without feeling guilty about it. I haven’t gotten back into the groove of going to the studio yet, and with Dave here, every day…still trying to get used to that, as well. My word for this period is RESET….that hopefully won’t last too long, that I don’t want to waste.
That was lovely, thanks for sharing. I too continue to learn from my wise daughter. I remember a few things when she was just 8 yrs. old and thinking to myself, “how on earth is this child of mine wiser than I am as her mother”. I knew right then and there that I would forever learn from her and hope to be a better person, a better mom, friend, etc. Just recently we had a heart to heart on the Phone, social isolation, regarding some of her perceptions and I know I am still learning and changing, evolving, thanks to her honesty and willingness to go to those tender spots. And NOOOOO we never stop being a mom with the same love and concern for their well being. What a gift you have with your daughter home with you all. Be Well
Thank you, and stay safe~