I have a favorite uncle, Uncle Duffer. He's unconventional as far as favorite uncles go. He brought a four wheeler up to the house for the kids and me. The mother in me said, Nonono. I'm not piling my kids on to that, without helmets, and barreling around the mountains.
My dad said, "You're in the valley, Ruth. Live a little."
So we piled on.
And barreled around the red dirt mountain
We stopped at the swimming hole.
And swam in our clothes, the way you do in the valley. The water not-cold-enough to keep us out, and the rock too enticing to only jump once.
Yes, being a momma and a kid all at the same time is good for the soul. I think, perhaps, it is how you find your roots, live in the present, and hope for the future all in the same moment.
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Awwwww, sounds perfect! I'll bet this will be one of those days your kids will talk about forever.
ReplyDeleteI love this slice. Sometimes the responsible part of me - the worrier - can keep me from having fun. I often reflect on my younger self and wonder how it was that I could go from having no fear to so much. The balance is what I strive for. Looks like you found it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day! You will remember it and talk about it and laugh over it many times, I imagine.
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ReplyDeleteWhat an important message as parents... favorite line: "I think, perhaps, it is how you find your roots, live in the present, and hope for the future all in the same moment." We will hold on to that as we get ready for vacation next week.
DeleteThanks for sharing
Clare and Tammy
Amazing! It's hard to stop the mom part from worrying sometimes. I think you are right though, balance is the key...sometimes I just struggle to find that key! I'm glad you were able to enjoy each other and your surroundings so much!
ReplyDeleteI always love your last lines, bringing everything together, making a powerful piece of writing end with a strong lingering thought to ponder.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this post! It is hard to break out of mom mode, but when you connect with your inner child (especially when it's been awhile), magic happens! And I think it's a good side of yourself to show to the kiddos now and then :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think we get too caught up in all we have to do as moms, wives, and teachers, and forget to "live a little." Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, it sounds & looks like a lot of fun. I think your kids probably thought they were in heaven, Ruth. So glad you 'entered the valley'!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you and the kids had an excellent time. So many times we get wrapped up in "making sure everything is ok" that we forget to have fun. I'm sure this it a time that won't soon be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI love this slice because you recognize the way being with your family makes you feel as an adult but also as a child, and how these relationships change/stay the same once kids are in the picture. The big idea though is FUN -- and it sounds like you had lots of it! We should never forget to embrace life the same way children do: with wonder and excitement.
ReplyDeleteI like how you showed how we approach things differently depending on where we are -- how you did those things because you were "in the valley", and had a perfectly wonderful time of it! Sounds like a perfect slice of summer!
ReplyDeleteLove the water hole. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to indulge your inner child. There's something very special about being home where you are both a child and an adult. Love the reflection of the rock and the kids in the water.
ReplyDeleteA day your kids will always remember. I think way too often I err on the side of caution…
ReplyDeleteWhat joy! I am so glad you found that "combination of spirits" and had such a great day!
ReplyDeleteThis was purely joyful. It made me smile as I pictured it all. :-)
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