Tap dancing kangaroos are performing on my coffee table right now. One holds a laso, while the other is throwing "meatballs" to the floor below.
Earlier today, we loaded the stroller with picnic goodies, a blanket, and a ball. We hiked our way to the playground and enjoyed a two hour lunch... just my little kangaroos and me.
My three year old wrote her name for the first time, and her brother cheered "Ra-Daaaaaa!" (ta-da) for her.
We played hide and seek. We built a block castle. We drank green smoothies and had homemade (egg-less) cookies. We colored reindeer. We laughed until our bellies ached during bath time.
There are so many memories to be made in each day. Too many memories to be remembered. Too many moments that are filled with the true meaning of life. People are so focused on helping their children prepare for life and all that life will throw at them, that they don't realize their children are already living life. Every moment is truly lived in by a child. There is no later, no tomorrow, only now.
After the earth-shattering shooting that took place last Friday, taking the lives of 20 young children, I beg you to slow down. I beg you to look at life through your child's eyes.
Being a parent is hard. It is exhausting. It challenges your weaknesses daily... but as you know, it is the greatest journey life can offer. It is easy to lose yourself on this journey, to deviate from the woman (or man) you are and planned to become. It is time to take a moment and evaluate where you are, where your heart lies, and how you are expressing these things to those who matter most.
You cannot remember every moment of every day, but you should not have to. Your days should be filled with moments back to back, building high, this castle that is your life. Because your life should be lived in each moment.
Listen to the little voices. Sit on the floor and play. Go outside and get dirty. Hold hands. Hug. Give kisses. Take pictures. Laugh. Cry. Cheer.
Each moment is yours to live with your child(ren). Life can be taken from us at any time. We cannot protect ourselves or our children, despite our superhero mentality, in the scariest dangers of the world. Instead of living in fear though, let your love and strength be present and hold on to your babies while walking this journey. Walk it together, as the family you are.
This is our New Year's Resolution for 2013, and every year that follows: Be Present. Live each moment.
And to those who lost a child, a mother, a sister, a wife, or a loved one in the recent nightmare, my prayers and tears and heartache are with you daily. Words will never be enough. xoxo.
