Children grow up.
The Salesman came in last night with folders and keys and stopped in the kitchen as I asked if his appointment went well.
I listened to his colorful retelling of a day on the road and thought how some of it could be fodder for a country song, as every story is so much better when he unravels it.
He then asks about my day and at least seven good things run through my grey matter to share; but, what tumbled out of my mouth was:
I felt like a movie star today.
He looked at me with his head tilted and his expression was like Paul Harvey just asking for the rest of my story.
I told him how in the routine of taking the recycling out to the bin, the children next door were as excited to see me as camera-clad fans adoring stars walking the red carpet at those award shows and how those cheerful playing-in-their-yard cherubs brightened my day.
My blue recycling bin was suddenly a bouquet of flowers and my dyed jeans became a sequined gown, as the neighborhood children squealed my name in delight and waved with all their youthful vigor.
He then told me how he had just stopped on his way down the drive and talked to their dad and how he’d just seen the littlest one driving around in a motorized vehicle and then his voice trailed off….
As I glanced up from making our hot Thieves tea, I could see his lips pursed and tears running down his face as I moved towards him and asked, “It made you think of Victoria, didn’t it?” as tears now spilled over my lashes, too.
We shared a quiet, tearful, moment remembering the joys of our children.
We have so many beautiful memories.
Our children have grown up, and on, in to confident and capable young ladies.
And we press forward, we enjoy the adult lives of our once hair-bow-clad daughters.
To our oldest that I texted with the last few days over a recipe that could possibly be one of the most memorable ones of her growing up years and a lesson on the difference of an 1/8 cup vs. 1/8 tsp of black pepper.
To our youngest that started off the FaceTime this morning with, “I’m just in from teaching and we shouldn’t be on the phone for four hours…” Well, we have much to share!
Children grow up; but never out of parents hearts.