Afternoon Delight
Usually having all three of my teenagers under the roof at one time assures a boisterous commotion on even a good day. Since Kass has been mostly away for the last 1 1/2 years at art school, such opportunities have been slim, especially now that they are older, more mobile, moving in and out of the house swiftly. Kass is luckily still at home for the holiday break and the other two, Lydia and Austin resumed school this week, leaving Kass and me a little quiet bonding time (once she wakes up, that is!).
Some really cold weather finally arrived and we have stayed inside snug as bugs, sipping on hot chocolate, hot tea and coffee and still sampling a few left over holiday sweets and treats. It struck me one chilly afternoon when the tempo was quite mellow amongst the three that it is still kind of nice to have them all underfoot after a school day, gathering in the kitchen around the bar, chit chatting, snacking, having hot drinks and just milling about in no hurry for a change.
Kass was sitting with her laptop, playing “her” music lightly, sketching with fine point pens for a couple of assignments; Lydia was texting and sharing some pizza with me; Austin was mainly upstairs X-boxing, yet coming and going upon the scene – even the Basset Hound was in on this very chilly/ windy day.
It reminded me of ALL the years of such afternoons, with all three of them in the house with me, doing homework, projects, eating a snack etc… The large kitchen accommodates everyone, affording some space and yet promoting a homey togetherness that doesn’t require words or plans. I casually moved in and out of the setting, carrying out the missions of laundry and early dinner preparations, falling in and out of their music and conversations without a ripple – it was nice, calm, pleasant, soothing, nostalgic and rare!
Soon enough, the aura will change and Lydia will need to go to dance, Austin will bolt back in and want to head out to a basketball game and Kass will be loading up for her return to school soon. My micro-experience will be gone, but not forgotten.
Does anyone else ever discover such little deja-vu moments relating to the kids?
