As I am want to do when perusing on Facebook, I clicked on an URL which led to one of gazillion videos posted for everyone's viewing pleasure. The title of the video, "The Gift of an Ordinary Day," did not really hit at my heart strings immediately, but ... wow. This hit home.
While I have not read her memoir, Family Circle magazine noted in its review that it is, in fact, "eloquent. . .a reminder that life's seemingly mundane moments are often where we find beauty, grace, and transformation." This video captured Mrs. Kenison reading from her book, whereby she reflects not only on how quickly her sons have grown, but how they have transformed. She simultaneously celebrates and laments their evolution, noting that she is proud of the young men they have become, and would give anything to relive the days when they were small.
I plan to buy this book for my iPad.
As I watched David and Elizabeth today, playing with abandon and tremendous glee with their cousins who, although really based in Newark, CA, currently live in Zug, Switzerland, I paused several times to try, with all my might, to take in the moment and just be in it. I tried to banish from my mind the reality that, in just a few years, David and Elizabeth may be two completely different people who not only will have different interests but will want to have nothing to do with me, let alone be seen with me in the same room. Now, I am hopeful that this will ultimately not be the case, given that both Glen and I really enjoyed being with our parents throughout our childhood and teenage years. Those were years that, for both of us, had relatively little drama.
But, back to today. There they were, diving merrily into a pool of cold (well, cold by my standards) water, stuffing their little faces with chips, cookies, and all matter of assorted treats, with nary a care in the world. And, when I take a moment to reflect in the beauty and glory of such simplicity, I find myself once again feeling torn: guilty for not relishing these moments more often, grateful for the gift that the present moment has given to us, and anguished that this moment, and many others like it, will be over far too soon.
Mrs. Kenison's words, as reflected in her video that went viral several weeks ago, really touched me. While I can't guarantee that I will perfect the art of living in the moment, cherishing my kids' smallness, I am aware of the fact that we only get one shot at this thing called life and that, while we're here, we may as well indulge in those things that make us happy, make us smile, and make us feel content.
Such moments, at least for me, come when David and Elizabeth willingly curl up next to me and our dog, Lager, on the couch at home and watch different shows on HGTV or Food TV. Current favorites include "Love it or List It," and "Cupcake Wars." In fact, after their first viewing of "Cupcake Wars," David and Elizabeth were quickly interested in recreating the baking bedlam in our own kitchen. Ultimately, I was a lot more engaged in the process than they were, but it brought the three of us together in a shared adventure. Even the simplest pleasure of watching cupcakes magically bake and rise in the oven can be a great reminder of the happiness, wonder, and innocence of childhood.
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