We went to our favorite soda fountain this weekend, the one that fits in with my fantasy of what life in a small Midwestern town should be like.
The tin ceiling and gleaming mirrors behind the long marble counter are straight out of set design. The two women who own the shop bustle about delivering meals and smiles on a round platter.
They make all their own ice cream and candy, and that was enough of a promise to quell the momentary rise of rebellion when I announced that we’d be taking a drive to the outlet mall to get The Babyman some new shoes.The restaurant is just a mile or two from the ugly red buildings housing the Jockey outlet store, an Old Navy and the only Stride Rite for 100 miles.
After we ordered The Poo was restless. She was hungry for lunch, she whined for ice cream before her grilled cheese. She pulled on her father’s elbow and looked up at him.
“Dad?” she said.
“Yes,” replied Mr. C, exasperated.
“What’s the secret to the world?” she asked.
We glanced at each other over her head, amused. “What do you think it is?” my husband countered.
The girl muttered something and her father asked her to speak up. She cleared her throat and spoke louder this time.
“I think it is loving each other, saying please and thank you, and picking up litter,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back in her chair, awaiting our judgment.
My husband looked away quickly, but before he did I saw the quick tears spring to his eyes. He swallowed hard and stared straight ahead, a fist pressed to his mouth.
Just then, The Babyman reached for me and pulled my face to his, offering for the very first time a kiss. He pressed his lips to mine and I looked at him and laughed, delighted and surprised. My husband looked at us and rubbed at his wet eyes.
This was a hard week for him. Or rather, this has been a hard three years for him. He often feels pulled this way and that, torn between working day and night to finish his degree so we can move on and taking the time to spend with our children and me.
He is struggling. He feels lost.
In that moment, though, I saw my girl shine like a beacon for us both. Her innocent words, delivered with the utmost sincerity, are lessons we try so hard to teach her.
Love each other above all, we tell her. We have to love; we share what we have with others, no matter how humble our gifts, to show our gratitude for the love that is bestowed upon us.
We pay it forward, we open our hearts. It isn’t always easy or comfortable to do that, but we do our very best.
Saturday in a crowded soda fountain in the middle of nowhere, we got a glimpse of our daughter’s heart, and it was the most beautiful sight we’d ever laid eyes on.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
so beautiful.
Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Growing up Giggles Style
Beautiful, brought tears to my eyes. Sounds to me like you’re doing a great job with your kids
Wendy´s last blog ..Cardio Check-Up
That brought tears to my eyes, too! Sounds like you are doing a lot of things right!
Leanne´s last blog ..A Year Ago Today
Wonderful.
Oh, marvelous – am crying. You are doing SO much right, and it’s a blessing to be able to watch it from here – thank you for sharing this. I know these moments and they make it all make sense.
Lindsey
Jeezus woman, you made me cry. And 630 is much to early to cry.
Really beautiful. You’re doing okay, Mama.
JenK´s last blog ..You are what you buy
What a wonderful moment! Delicious! Your girl is so sweet. And Babyman’s first kiss! T Junior just figured out the kissing thing and I love it. He even uses it at bedtime as a stalling tactic. Smart cookie. What mom would say “no” to more kisses?
Kerrie´s last blog ..Get the No-Fold Laundry Solution! For a Limited Time Only!
Less litter, more kisses. Indeed.
Must Be Motherhood´s last blog ..Woman Cannot Live by Shred Alone: Cardio Kick to the Rescue
Every time I think I write a good blog post, I read yours and think … back to the drawing board. Bravo!
Hollee´s last blog ..It’s OK to Quit — And Start Again
So beautiful!
Stephaine @ Geezees´s last blog ..Crazy Love, Destination Canvas, time spent with family
A-Plus for the mama and papa of those children!
Nan´s last blog ..It’s Friday!
You manage to perfectly blend together beauty and struggle, humor and frustration, and storytelling and life lessons we can all walk away with. Thank you.
Kristin T. (@kt_writes)´s last blog ..Are we too accepting of the people we love?
THIS is why I love reading blogs.
Aimee Greeblemonkey´s last blog ..The Night I Fell On My Face For The Pioneer Woman (And Greeblemix Winners!)
Sooooo good to savor those moments, record them, turn them over in your mind like a prized possession.
What a beautiful thing!
Jenna´s last blog ..Because you are the second child
Those are the moments we have to cling to when we’re wondering why we have to tell the older kids to stop jumping on the younger ones 36829 times a day. The big lessons do sink in! Thank goodness!
Heather´s last blog ..Growth and Denial