While they were sleeping
ByI’m in San Francisco.
The time difference between Chicago and San Francisco is only two hours, but somehow, it feels like much more than that.
While in the plane, I looked out across the perfect clouds and I wondered if this is what heaven looked like, is this what James and Jake see all of the time?
Or is heaven more about having the ability to take the time to see all of the beauty that surrounds you? Are we always surrounded by heaven and we don’t even realize it?
By the time we landed, the kids were back in their own beds at home, asleep, while we gathered our luggage and drove (way too fast) towards our hotel. Us in our part of the country, they in their’s.
It is such a strange feeling being so separated from our family. We are so close, we do everything together. From breakfast in the morning to our nightly family Mario Kart battle after dinner, to the sweet kisses and deep hugs we give and receive before saying good night.
While driving from the airport, this was the first photo I took while speeding in the car with tinted windows:
The mountains are so beautiful, the landscape so distinct, everything so different and breathtaking.
We went back to our room and eventually ordered some pizza. I ate pizza in my pajamas while sitting on the bed, it’s something I enjoyed thoroughly, but something I would never, ever do at home.
But maybe we should, why does it take a airline ticket and packing our bags to step outside of our box and do something extraordinary?
I am always missing James and Jake and right now I’m missing Ariel and Racecar and we haven’t even been separated for 24 hours. But I think I’m also missing the point to just ENJOY what’s given to us and make the most of what’s in front of us.
For Mother’s Day, my wish for you is to see an opportunity to create a memory for your children, one they will hold onto forever, with a firm grasp. One they’ll share with their own children. Get out of the car and run through a field, eat lunch in the grass in your backyard, play tag around your house, chase them until they collapse from the exhaustion of laughter, share a pop tart on your couch on a Sunday morning.
Just do something different, something that makes you step outside of your boundaries and makes them see that you are human, that there is a child within you that you embrace and that you want to share with them.
I can’t think of a better Mother’s Day gift for them…and for you.
I hope you all have a beautiful, beautiful day. Whether you have a house fill of children, an empty nest, are trying to conceive, or are missing your heavenly angel(s), may you feel THE GIFT that is motherhood.
Always.
Thank you for this post. I needed it.
You caught me being teary. Big time.
This is so important. A friend recently told me how her therapist said it’s SO good for our kids to see us stepping out and doing something unexpected and not so “Mom”. I’m trying to do that more. Or I need to do that more. But I am going to do what you say (don’t I always?)
Steph
beautiful.
I hope that you have a wonderful weekend full of peace and see Jake and James on Sunday.
In random news, when I dropped of my memory boxes at the hospital for families that lose their children far too soon, I mentioned you and your beautiful boys as someone I honored.
Thank you for inspiring me to do this little bit of good….
Embracing my inner child and just having fun with my children – that is something I definitely need to work on. Thanks for the reminder and enjoy San Francisco – it’s an Awesome city!
Beautiful, as always.
I have no idea what we’re doing on Sunday, but I do know now that we’re going to make it special. I’m thinking maybe a day of eating nothing but chocolate?
Your photo’s always have a way of grabbing my heart, but today your words did the same. I wasn’t expecting to cry…but sometimes an unexpected misty eye is a welcome gift.
Nell
I can’t see the second pic
Is it just me?
I needed this today, Beth. I SO needed it.
Beth – thanks so much for putting this out here. I needed it and didn’t even know it.
I tell myself every year that I already have the best mothers day gift a mom could ask for – my children – and take advantage of it by spending time with the ones that matter most to me. It’s a gift that money just can’t buy!
I’m all teared up.
Thanks for the inspiration and mother’s day wishes.
Hope yours exceeds all your expectations, and then some.
Beautiful post Beth and great outlook. Wishing you a special and memorable Mother’s Day as well.
Love this!
Enjoy your trip!
I should keep a tally of how many times your posts make me cry. This one was beautiful and so full of truth. Thank you so much. Happy Mother’s Day to you too. Enjoy your time with Brian.
Seriously, the last couple paragraphs made me tear up.
I hope that you have a wonderful Mother’s Day and follow your own advice of embracing the gift of motherhood. Enjoy the weekend, even if you are separate from your kids for a short while.
Happy Mother’s Day Beth!
I love that you can see beauty in so many things. Such a wonderful gift.
Have fun on your trip! You deserve it.
what a beautiful post and how true! thanks for reminding us how lucky we are… to be grateful for what we have everyday…and to stop and count our blessings…
have a great trip and safe return home to Ariel and Racecar…
Sincerely,
Paula
What a beautiful post. You are blessed in so many ways. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a special Mother’s Day.
Happy Mother’s Day! This was truly beautiful.
Thank you SO much for the amazing reminder. Tuggin’ at my heart, you are! *hugs*
So well said, Beth! That will be my wish for tomorrow…for us to do something together and something that will take my kids by surprise
Enjoy your day too, Beth!
So well said, Beth!!! Happy Mother’s day to you.
Wow, why did I just put my mascara on, just to re-apply…sniff sniff. So touching! Your words are so true. Please enjoy this time with your hubby and keep snapping those beautiful pictures. As I looked at the cloud picture, I got lost for a moment and I can only describe this photo as “Peace”.
very well put Beth…thank you!!! My heart is with you…Happy Mother’s Day!! All my love, kim
So beautiful! Just like you
Thank you for the reminder. I try to do these sorts of things quite often but there are weeks when life’s hardships take over. This has been one of those weeks. I think a picnic today is where we’re headed.
I had this post on my mind yesterday. We grilled hot dogs out front and fed the neighbor kids and moms, followed by ice cream sundaes. It was unexpected and just perfect.