Spring and summer in our little village is delightful, as are most little towns in Southern Ontario, filled with the sounds of cardinals and squirrels (much to the chagrin of our pup) and the smells of lilacs, roses and phlox. I can't help but think of my friend as I write this who dislikes flowery language in books and will close this link immediately.
But oh, I am feeling contemplative today.
Our son has turned into a labrador puppy this summer. No longer soft and cuddly, his hands and feet have grown so much, you can tell he has a growth spurt approaching. And like the beloved canine, he trips and bangs into things, clumsy with his limbs.
Little Miss, forever the main character of my stories, has walked through a magical curtain. She astounds me with her beauty and self-confidence, neither of which I had at her age, although Mom would say otherwise, and I can't help but stop and study her.
Then, all of a sudden, I see a glimpse of my girl as the green panties she's chosen show through under her yellow lacy dress at her cousin's wedding. Oh, how the sunshine was her nemesis that day, unbeknownst to her. Her saving grace was the beautiful bride who drew all attention, as she should. Only her doting, studious Mother noticed and grinned.
Mr. Man, as ever, is his heroic self, taking emergency trips to the drugstore for his cyclical women, bringing home paper products and bars of chocolate. He arrives, caped donned, with a small bead of sweat on his brow, holding the sweetie at arms length as not to get hurt in the distribution.
He and his trusty labrador descend to the safety of the basement, happy in the company of each other, for the next five to seven days...
Gone are the days of cake baking, food intolerances, and childish questions. Our summer was filled with babysitting courses, vacation bible school leadership, and scoffs at parents. Gone are the cuddles on mom's lap, and candies as rewards. This summer I found myself looking up at them, chasing them for hugs, and giving money as rewards. Oh, the heartbreak.
And so begins part two of my life with CrackerJacks and Nutters - the enormous need of humour and reflection as always... but with teenagers.
Heaven help us all.
