Tough times in the world. A dysfunctional congress passed legislation to cut trillions of dollars and God knows what’s in it and what it will do to those people who can’t help themselves. Suffering in Somalia. Struggles for freedom in Syria. War that goes on in Afghanistan.
My daughter E is taking it in, too. The Somalia discussion of yesterday stayed with her, and last night before bed she was feeling anxious. When she gets like that, we play the favorite things game. It’s kind of like Maria and the VonTrap kids gathering in Maria’s room, but without the singing.
Summertime seems to be the best time for this game, as there are so many delicious things to see, to experience. Last night’s list included:
- Holding hands and jumping waves together at the beach
- Eating ice cream anytime we want
- The way our dog smiles when she pants
- Our dog
- Freckles that make their appearance even though we slather sunscreen with SPF 1,000 all over our faces
- Vacation, vacation, vacation
- Sandcastles - making drip sandcastles where you take wet sand in your hand just let it drip through your fingers.
- Painting toenails - bright pink for me, blue for Eleanor
- Hydrangeas that change color and sparkle with dew in the morning sun
- Hope
A beautiful way to spend the day. I know how E feels. Might have to do some favourite things myself tonight!
ReplyDeleteHeart-warming mother/daughter moments Marion. We do have to remember to take in the joy ... otherwise the pain would be unbearable.
ReplyDeleteHello Marion:
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea in order to try andget some balance and joy back in to a world which does seem intent on self-destruction. However, we can well see that we should be tempted to include singing too as we love singing, even if out of tune!
What a wonderful picture we have of such tender moments spent with your daughter. Yet another favourite thing for both of you we are sure.
I so get what you mean!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a relief to know that we can throw open wide our hearts to joy,
taking in all the wild sweet deliciousness of life
and still ache with compassion
and even rage
over the injustice and ugliness all around.
I love that about our huge, hearty souls!
And loved your list....drank it to the last drop.
Much thanks for that beautiful share,
Jen
What a dear tradition. You are indeed a special mom!
ReplyDeleteahh...and the best is the love you two share with each other..precious. Thanks for the glimpse into that love.
ReplyDeleteBlessings Marion
what a great way to end the day!!! sounds like y'all have had a lot of great moments this summer. i especially love the way dogs seem to smile when they pant...so cute :)
ReplyDeleteWhat you focus on you get more of! What a great way to end the day and prepare for tomorrow. I miss those days with my son. Relish each one!
ReplyDeleteYes, sometimes the woes of the world can seem overwhelming. I think it always good to look at life with hope and gratitude.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful ritual. My nearly 5 yr old is a very intuitive & sensitive soul who picks up on things far beyond his comprehension. We do variations of the favourite things game but right before bed is the perfect time to reflect on all the beauty and joy in life.
ReplyDelete