Yesterday found me returning my mom's truck to her with my friend Tina following right behind to transport me home. In the minivan with her were her two youngest children, although neither are exactly young anymore. No car seats, diaper bags or bottles; no plaintive pleas of "Mom, I gotta go to the bathroom!" or "Are we there yet?" from the backseat; no sibling arguments with subsequent whines. They were polite teenagers in good moods. This was not unexpected or unusual yet still a delight.
We had lunch with my mom, did a few simple chores for her and then headed home. Along the way conversation was interspersed with stops to photograph sights her youngest daughter found worthy, sights I take for granted because I've travelled that road so frequently. The weather was spectacular.
The Boy and I played an impromptu travel game the first time we drove that route: Count the Churches. Yes, he was young enough then for such distraction to be entertaining. If memory serves, we counted 42 churches representing numerous denominations on that 130 mile stretch of Route 3. Rural Virginia adores religion. Or something like that.
So. My melancholy. It's not a bad thing. I'm just thinking about how things have changed, are changing, will continue to change. Am I longing for things past? No. It's more about accepting children growing up and parents growing old, and, perhaps moreso, feeling an urgency to share things I need to share with people I care about and not
This trip reminded me: we've nothing but time yet not a moment to lose.
I wish I could slow life down.
Just a tad.
Know what I mean?
.
6 comments:
Of course!
But knowing I'm travelling the road with you makes all the difference.
*smooch*
Not yet, O wise one, but soon probably.
I think few people take the time to think that if they died tomorrow, what would really be important? I try to remember that often -- and when I do -- I spend more time with family and loved ones. It makes me feel good.
When my mom was ill, I had no regrets, just hopes for more time :)
I sure do.
I found some pictures of our boys the other day from when they were wee lads, and just about sat down to cry. So cute, and so young, and so huggable and innocent. I'd love to go back to that age to have their little bods to snuggle with. :>
But they're much better conversationalists now!
Sure do. Work weeks fly by these days, and while I look forward to weekends in a very Loverboy "Everybody's Working for the…" kind of way, I never fail to think, Wow, another week in the books.
I've only recently discovered your site and I'm enjoying the heck out of it. Thanks.
I do. I've been missing the times when Jen was younger, and still living with us.
Oh song just came on the radio about saving time in a bottle. How appropriate.
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