This Moment
March 2005.
I love this moment in time
Night time
Time for you to feel secure
You wait for me
Tonight it’s my turn to be with Maya
You finish off one last puzzle, and then into bed you go
We turn off the lights
You peek out the window to notice the moon and clouds
We lay down together
You pop out of bed for one last pee
I hear you call, “Mommy, can you wipe me?”
“Sure.” I pop out of the bed too
I love this moment when I can care for you
Back to the bed we go
At first you’re restless
Moving around, trying to get comfortable
I lay still, waiting for you to settle in
We talk a bit
Recount the day’s events
Discuss tomorrow’s happenings
I love to reflect and anticipate with you
It’s quiet time now
Your hand on my heart, my hand on your precious little foot
Your breathing slows
I feel your muscles relax
I know you are drifting away
I slowly start to detach. Slowly, slowly, slowly
You awaken, startled, despite my attempt to peel away ever so gently
“Mommy, can you please stay with me?”
“Sure honey.”
I kneel by your bed with my head close to yours
You drift back to sleep, feeling my breath
I gaze at your peaceful beauty
I cherish you dearly
Finally, I silently slither away
I love this moment in time.
from our trip to Tulum, Mexico February 2005
Beautiful and tender. I could feel this one deep in my heart.
Love you xo
How tender to feel this deeply, together.
These journal entries are such treasures! You took the time, as life was swirling all around you, to capture all the particular and sensual aspects of parenting. How many of us wish we had done this, and just never got around to it? I am so glad you did, for you words are tender and lovely and so poignant. Thank you, Elise, for your wisdom and courage.
Never, never did I imagine that I’d be sharing these journal entries in this forum. I always knew though, with life being as precious as it is, all of our stories are treasures. Though we think we’ll remember so many pearls of parenting, they come and go. I am with you. I’m glad that I wrote. I’m also glad that you’re appreciating them. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement.
Thank you Elise,
As I read this entry I was wonderfully reminded of nights snuggling with my mom and then with my own little girl. Such precious moments. Your sharing is truly a gift to our community.
Sending love,
Lilly
I love the image of you snuggling with your mom. Just thinking now, of all of the generations of daughters snuggling with their moms, who had snuggled with their moms. Thank you.
I shared my mom’s bed when I was a little girl, and also shared my bed with my daughter. At the time, the parental bed was the talk of those who agreed and also disapproved of it. Well, we loved it! It was bliss for us both! Love, closeness, giggles, tears, cuddles, kisses, and security. It was home…. It was the heart. So glad we did it. Although I’ve never written about our bed times, those memories are enshrined in my heart forever, as I see, are yours, dear Elise.