Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Treasure Them or Revelations at Target

I was in Target (a.k.a. my sanctuary) changing Gemma's diaper (a slight disturbance of my tranquility) and a woman who was washing her hands looked over at us and smiled.

"I remember those days,"

Now, anyone with a child, especially a baby, hears these comments from time to time, maybe even frequently. I smiled and turned my head about to say something pointless and impersonal in response when she added,

"..and now I am sending candy to my boys overseas. You've really got to treasure them while you can."

And then, I pointlessly and impersonally responded, "it goes so fast," and smiled with my head tilted towards the floor, just barely making eye contact.

Now, if you know me, you know that I hate really do not like commenting on how fast the time is going. Partially because, time is just time, and I know this. It doesn't flow fast or flow slow, and that it is all about our perception. I like to percieve that time is on my side.

Mostly though, I do not like talk of such things because I am so afraid it might be true.


That was the first deep conversation I had with myself while perusing the dollar section and enjoying my soft pretzel, but for some reason, this woman and our short conversation were still in my thoughts.

I was also thinking about how she said, "...and now I am sending candy to my boys overseas."

Now, I am not sure if I am correct or not in my assumption, but something in this woman's tone tells me that I may have been spot on in assuming she was telling me that her babies are in a war zone.

I must admit, that I am not a fan of this war (to put it lightly). And to be completely honest, I haven't always had a lot of sympathy for those who serve. I have always thought of it as a choice that these men and women make, and I never really got the argument that it was indeed a sacrifice.

Until today.

Now, I am still not a fan of this war (and that is still putting it lightly)...

But.

The thought of that mother. With her babies. Overseas.

It makes my heart skip, just a little. Especially as I look down. At my baby. In my arms.

And I realize, that there is no way these men and women look at is as just a job. No way.

The stakes are too high.

Motherhood continues to open my eyes (and my heart) everyday.

My conversation today, was a  big reminder to treasure it (motherhood), treasure them (those that serve), and treasure her (my little Gem.)

Because really...

it goes so fast

P.S. Thank you so much for your March of Dimes donation. If anyone else would still like to donate, you can still do so up until the walk this Saturday.

P.P.S. Easter was celebrated (and enjoyed) by Gemma and I, but I have been a major picture uploading slacker so far this week, so hopefully, I will have something up by next Easter. Hopefully.

4 comments:

  1. Oh. This is a fantasic post!! The thought of my little guy going to war (especially one like this) is so scary. Makes me want to wake him up for a hug! Thanks so much for sharing - love your blog!

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  2. I know how you feel about not wanting to acknowledge time. My little girl is a bit older than yours and will be 1 year this month. I think it really hits home at this time because she is transitioning before my eyes.

    I was just thinking the other night as I was trying to sleep about how pretty soon she will not be a baby anymore... and it is very bittersweet because on one hand, I think of all the cool things I can do with her when she is older and how awesome it will be to see her personality emerge.

    But, also I think that soon there will be no more baby cuddles anytime I want or squeals and smiles just because mommy walked into the room, you know?

    Anyway, good luck with your beautiful daughter and have a great day!

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  3. This was such a great post! When I was having a bad day I used to like and think about when things would get a little easier. And that's when I started thinking about Spencer driving a car, riding in a car with a boy I don't know, or at a party like the ones I used to go to where it's only by sheer luck that nothing really bad happened to me. It makes me lose my breath to think about the days ahead when I'll have to step back and let go (the tiniest amount possible!) and I won't be right there to protect her.

    I can't imagine her being in a war zone and I don't even want to imagine how awful it must be for the moms who do have their grown up babies over there.

    I know you don't like to think about time, but here's a good quote about it that you might like :)

    “Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't
    own it, but you can use it. You can't keep
    it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it
    you can never get it back.” ~ Harvey MacKay

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