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Two Writing Teachers
Slice of Life Story Challenge
It's funny how life slides by, and the changes that have faded away are hardly noticed until they're completely gone.
Does this make sense to you?
I am thinking about this because I am sitting in a coffee shop with my oldest daughter writing while she's doing her schoolwork. Last night she asked, "Mom do you have a lot of schoolwork to do this weekend?" When don't I have schoolwork to do I thought. But I chose my next words cautiously. I wondered if she was asking because she wanted to go see a movie, do lunch, or because she had to study and wanted a study partner? Either way, I wanted to be available, she'll be moving away for grad school this fall, and I want to savor these last months. So I replied, "Why? Do you want to do something this weekend?" "Well, I have a lot of school work, and if you're going to go someplace to work or to write, we can go together."
So here we sit, in our local Starbucks typing, drinking Refreshers, and savoring our days.
Today I realized life has slid by, and some things have simply faded away. Once upon a time we went to the park, played dolls, had tea parties, visited the zoo, our great libraries, a fun bookstore, or watched kid movies on Saturdays. Now we do adult weekends. Studying at Starbucks, plan grad school visits, weigh the many opportunities at the different schools, and visit bookstores and libraries.
Some things never change.
Today I decided to rearrange books and a small black Barbie shoe fell to floor. It made me a little to sad to think, in what seems like a blink of an eye, so much has changed. One thing that hasn't changed is the way you are there for your daughters. I appreciated the reminder that we have replaced trips to the zoo with heading to Starbucks, but they both are about our time together.
ReplyDeleteCathy
My little girl is catapulting towards adolescence. I'm starting to feel panicky about that. Thank you for this wise post.
ReplyDeleteMy little girl just turned 3 and I know we will soon be sitting right where you are, much faster than I want it to happen. What I love about this piece is the fact that your activities may have changed, but your relationship with your daughter hasn't.
ReplyDeleteAw- your slice made my heart feel full. I love how you described your daughter's question and your measured response. And I love the outcome of that conversation most of all. Can really relate to that life sliding by thing you describe...
ReplyDeleteHa! Love this! I have two grown daughters who went to university far from home. When they finished school, they stayed in the US; we are in Ecuador. It is sooooo hard to be so far away. Savor every moment before your daughter goes to grad school, though I know you know that. I can't believe how fast time flies by! Enjoy!
ReplyDelete"Now we do adult weekends." Oh, how this growing up thing goes so fast! Right now I'm sitting in a Starbucks alone, reading and writing as my almost 7 year old girls enjoy themselves at a bowling birthday party. I'm enjoying my quiet time, but envy your time with your daughter. Soon enough, I will remember this slice and enjoy our adult weekends too. Thanks for the slice, Deb!
ReplyDeleteWhile the activities have changed, there remains time spent together. That is the keepsake in life memories. We must acknowledge the change while savoring the time spent in each other's company. Simple pleasures as my wife and I call them. nice moments capture in your piece Deb. A piece that prompts reflection.
ReplyDeleteDeb--boy do I connect to this one. Look what I wrote for my first slice: http://briankissel.weebly.com/brians-blurbs/march-01st-2017.
ReplyDeleteI love that your weekends have changed...yet stayed the same! And that you chose to be available for mother-daughter time whatever it might look like. Thank you for sharing...
ReplyDeleteI mean, this one brought tears to my eyes. My 12 year old is starting to spread his wings a bit, but will still ask me to work on my laptop with him. (His school is one to one.) I always say yes, even if I don't have work to do. We haven't ventured to Starbucks yet, but I'll savor the moment I get to introduce him to the beauty of working there! Thanks for sharing this moment.
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