Anne, “When you miss the mark, throw in the towel and make the most of the day.”
“I remember getting caught in a mindset of having to get myself and my girls to church every Sunday. Most times we made it.
I remember one particular Sunday, nothing went right. We overslept, the dog got sick all over the house. I felt overwhelmed and alone. We finally made it to the car.
I looked at myself in the mirror, checked the kids out in the backseat and realized very quickly – we weren’t going to get anything out of church that day. I went to a coffee shop, picked up coffee and hot chocolate and headed to a beautiful space outside of town where, we sat by the water, sipped our drinks and talked about what we were grateful for.
I’ll never forget that day. I can still feel the sun on my back, and see my two beautiful girls sitting beside me overjoyed that we weren’t sitting in church. If I have any regrets, I wish I had done that more often.” Tip #8
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When I asked this Mom to contribute, unknown to me, she was in a very difficult time in her life. I deeply appreciate her thoughts, attention, and willingness to share her best tips. Just one of the many things making Anne a great Mom, putting her own hurt aside to help out someone else.
I’ve noticed she and I had many parenting principles in common, all but one. It was Anne’s Tip #8 that brought me to the gate of reflection. Reading her recount of this special time brought a sadness to my heart.
As she stated, “When you miss the mark, make the most of your day.” I absolutely have some regret in this regard. I rarely put down formality in exchange for fun.
I so enjoyed her wonderful memory! Having her recall the scene, pulled me right into the moment. Capturing those meaningful times, what a gift! That’s a tip I wish I had found much sooner.
Her story also reminded me of a special time with my own Mom. One evening, I was about 8, maybe 9. She and I went out for a “Poo-poo Platter,” at a local Chinese restaurant. It was great! I felt like the most special girl in the world as we heated oriental cuisine over a small flame. This was to be the only Mom-and-Me date we ever had. Special times may seems hard to find, but they are impossible to forget!
In looking at my own parenting, I regret not slowing my world down for more memorable moments. I didn’t realize how easily they could be created. To find the calmness in a storm was not an option I was aware I had. In fact, that awareness still escapes me.
Thanks Anne! I hope to see you soon. You’re in my heart and in my home. Every time I drink from my special pottery mug, I think fondly of you and our time together.
Now everyone can have a village! 