Summer started almost eighty days ago and ended exactly three days ago. First grade came right on time for my 7 year olds but much too quickly for this mom.
Bigger back packs, new lunch boxes, and everything checked off the school supply lists. New shoes and school orientation... Where did the summer go?
This mom had such hopes for summer. You know, those perfectionist ideas... They'd get to stay home for the summer for starters.
As a full time working mom (outside of the home) the kids have always had some where else to go. Since they were three months old they have been under someone else's care the majority of the time.
This summer was going to be different. I transitioned to full time remote working and set up my office in our bedroom. We still hired a wonderful lady three days a week to take care of them when I was "in the office"; we planned for her to take them to the movies and museums. We thought they'd be able to swim and ride bikes more... We thought the training wheels could finally come off. We thought they'd be able to do more "normal" kid things. On weekends we planned to head to the lake or up to the top of the mountain.
Then we had our "vacation" in Utah which ended much too soon. Mom with a broken ankle at the bottom of the slide.
I love this picture... One of only half a dozen actual vacation pics that don't include mommy and her broken leg. This one picture, a moment of pause before we hit the rides. I remember standing there thinking... Really are we playing with this water ball? They have one in Disneyland, been there done that, let's move on. In hindsite, with this as one of the only visual reminders of our vacation I am thankful now.
Such a wonderful day... Roller coasters and BBQ... Tubes and water... And some of the best friends we have ever had.
Yes, a vacation cut too short... And summer inexplicably changed. The thoughts and ideas I had suddenly changed. Instead of 4th of July BBQ and fire works we had mommy recovering from surgery; a game of Penguins on the Ice and dinner lovingly made by someone in our church family. We had a revolving door of help... People to stay with me and help me with the kids and pain medicine. We had people bringing groceries and help cleaning out our closets an tubs.
No, this summer the training wheels didn't come off, there were no trips to the lake nor did we head to the mountains. I also don't know what my kids will say when they look back on this summer... I don't know how they will remember it but I am thankful.
I am thankful that they learned how to make coffee. They have learned how to work along side me as I sit in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher. I am thankful they have learned to help each other make lunch... I am thankful their bond is a bit stronger for tackling "mommy chores" together.
I am thankful they were able to see, not only their family and our closest friends love on us in a time of need but also what church is made to do... To help those in need, without question. I know we are forever grateful for that kind of help and love.
As I mend, as I begin to stand again, begin to walk again... As our kids start first grade I can say I am looking forward to fall. I am looking forward to the colder weather and orange colors.
I am looking forward to returning to normal...
Completely changed.
Needless to say this summer did not turn out the way I envisioned but it turned out exactly the way it was intended.
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