Somewhere between aging and quarantining my quest for adventure has diminished. Not to say it has disappeared because I can still feel that spark of curiosity and exploration, but this chapter of my book reads a bit more calm. That calm can be worrisome given my deep fear of a life lived in a rut, but it brings a new sense of awareness, an openness in recognizing small moments that I find more joyful than ever.
Yesterday was a day full of those simple moments that left me with the beautiful feeling of connectedness. As you know, Mr. Reader, raising teenagers is not for the faint of heart. It is a tightrope of offering space and advice, of encouraging a path while support independence, of optimistic worrying. For Brent and me, it is a never-ending contradiction that keeps us on our toes. I have the immense privilege of guiding the path of 2 kind, polite, rule-following teenagers who are actually just fun to be around. The hardest part for me is trusting their instinct to isolate while watching for clues to intervene. As a mom, I certainly want them around more than they want to be around which leaves me feeling anxious.
Yesterday was an exception and a day worth capturing. The four of us connected throughout the day in an organic way that was really special. Liam got up early and joined me for coffee at the kitchen island. The rest of the house was quiet so we just sat and talked. He had been sick the day before with a reaction from his COVID booster so he was just really grateful to be feeling well again. He shared his excitement about his birthday (in a couple months), told me about FNAF Security Breach and shared some updates about his relationships. At one point he referred to me as the ‘best mother in the world’ and I may have melted a bit.
Ellie came down and wanted pancakes so that was Liam’s cue to head back upstairs. However, when the pancakes were ready he came back down, Brent in tow, and the four of us ate eggs and pancakes sitting at the island. Brent has been working on digitizing old family Super 8 reels so we ended up on the topic of their ancestors and they were so curious. They listened and clarified and asked questions. I know it isn’t the first time they were told some of these stories but it was the first time they listened to them. Breakfast was slow, turning into Brunch, and easy just as a Saturday should be.
The afternoon was filled with watching those old videos and calls from my parents. They shared the details of those videos I didn’t know as well as the emotions the videos were sparking. My dad shared how he wished he could show these to his parents and I couldn’t agree more. My mom watched them with tears in her eyes. I love seeing my family members as they were rather than just who they were in relation to me. I heard from my siblings and am excited to bring these videos to other friends and family who will find joy in the memories.
After several episodes of 90 Day Fiance with Ellie, Brent and I ordered pizza for the kids and snuck out to get Indian takeout for ourselves. We had our own simple little date night at the dining room table while the kids had their movie night in the basement. On the drive to pick up the food, Brent and I checked in on each other and it felt great. We noted that, although we have been spending a lot of time together, we haven’t had many opportunities to connect and focus on each other. Sitting at a quiet table, eating yummy food and catching our breath was just what I needed.
As I was cleaning up dinner, Liam appeared with his Uno Flip game and asked if I was up for a game. Of Course! So we played a round and then suddenly the other 2 teenagers appeared and before I knew it, all of us were sitting around the table engaged in a long (hour +!) Uno battle. We were into it, Mr. Reader. Yelling, laughing, plotting, Liam doing some sort of twerk dancing, Dylan let an F-bomb slip…it was mayhem. And so much fun. Finally the game ended at 22:30 after Damion was texting to see what was going on over here and wondering if Dylan would ever be coming home. Ha! Ellie won the game in the end so I imagine we will be hearing about that for a while.
So, all this to say, that yesterday was simple and beautiful at the same time. I went to bed feeling connected to people I love both near and far away. And feeling incredibly grateful.
Once again you have melted my heart, I’m so wishing anyone in our family was able to communicate as you do. Our daughter Taylor tries–so aware of how little time we spend really talking about/sharing the deep stuff—-she has given me 2 books to fill out–one addressed to my grandchildren–where I write all about me from my childhood until now, and one book which Taylor and I write back and forth in–on various topics and trade again each visit.
I wanted to share with you and your kids my ancestry log-in details which I may have given you already—but feel free to take a gander at the tree–I have quite a lot about your mom’s dad’s side–Frederick and DeYo. It’s titled The Stacey/Romigh Family Tree and my Username is romighsix with my password Marlette1 on Ancestry.com.
Write on and continue to connect so well with those adorable kids and your hubby! You always touch my heart.
Sincerely, Libbie (Marlette Stacey Romigh)