Sometimes I need holy silence. Today I have left my phone in the car and turned off the home phone.
Ahhhh, quite.
Now it is quite giving me time to think, to breathe, to listen.
I strike a match,watching and listening to it sizzle to a full flame, then I light a soothing candle.
Walking to the stereo, I turn on one of my favorite albums and begin to fold the freshly laundered pants and tops.
A pair of bloomers left from the Grands last visit. Folding them carefully I allow my mind to remember her laughter and the gentle times we have rocking before her naps.
The fire truck, that was from the generation before catches my foot. Left behind by one who has stolen my heart from the first day, back two years ago. Gently I corral it in with the other toys, until the next time we are on the floor together making truck sounds.
I laugh to myself thinking about how many years I have picked up this same fire truck, and the treasured boys who steal my heart. One who is thirty-two and one who is two.
To the ironing board I go with an arm load of Doc’s shirts. Small stains remind me of different adventures we have had this week,tacos, replacing a rubber thing in the commode,and cleaning gutters…and back to the wash they go. How I love this man and dislike the stains.
Then to dusting I go, Gently I wipe the frames that hold the images of the Steps and the Births, from years past and years present. Caressing the protective glass, as if their precious faces are in my hands to love once again.
And the pictures of the parents, some who have gone on to glory, and some who remain with us. Both who have molded our lives with wisdom, love and hours of listening. Their lessons echo in my mind from they earlier years.
Being a mother, even from an empty nest, is still being a mother. They can worry you to pieces, and still give you reason to rejoice with enthusiasm at their accomplishments.
I walk back to the garage, open the car door and retrieve my phone. Twelve missed calls…all of them from family.
Sometimes it can be so exhausting to listen to all they want to say and think out loud – with me. But I would not trade this life, being their daughter, wife and mother for all the fish in the sea.
This weekend I will lift a glass of wine and toast mothers everywhere (yes I will drink wine at times – I’m over fifty and have an empty nest! Let’s move on).
“Here is to giving our lives to the hardest job we will ever love!”
I just love having you all over here to talk with about life. Happy Mother’s Day my friends.
Proverbs 31:26-31 “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive , and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. *
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Sometimes I have to do it, too. A personal “retreat”. BUT, to have a quiet and restful and God-focused time, I often have to take a day-long drive. Usually writing, thinking, worshiping, praising. Once I’m home, all the ones who need to have my help, my thoughts, my input, I’m more spiritually equiped. Glad your “retreat” works well for you!
Love that, Joanne! I take a long ride at times also! Thank you for commenting, your insights are always wonderful!
`di
Diane,
I am overwhelmed with the images you posted of each of the arrows in your quiver. Eyes filled with liquid love in viewing one frame then the next. Each so very precious , some stir up my memory while others make me long to know them in the now. I go to my precious frames of glass and take in your shared reflection, into the faces that are dear to my heart. Thank you for reminding me of how blessed we both are. I join in your weekend toast to this wonderful journey we are on. This is truly my favorite post ever. Terrie
Cheers my long time friend! We should really get in the car, drive down the street, and clank glasses in person. ~Di
Love the gorgeous shots, Di. I’m right there with you on a bunch of that – I love the silence and I talk to my family members several times every day. It does take big chunks of the day, but that’s why we multitaskers need headsets.
Oh, and this empty-nester will join you in that glass of wine too 😉
Cheers to you Susan! I like the headset idea.