Yesterday, we were invited to celebrate my oldest son’s 27th birthday with a surprise party. All four of the kids were there, as well as our youngest grandbaby. I didn’t get to hold him last time we saw him, because I had a stuffy nose and didn’t want to get him sick. So I was more than happy to snuggle him on my lap through dinner, laughing as he reached for my hands as I tried to eat.
It doesn’t take very long for the volume to ramp up when all four kids are together, especially when they are relaxed and feel safe to be themselves. Sitting there with my husband’s arm around me, our grandbaby nuzzled into my neck, and the kids and their sidekicks acting up and laughing around the table, I thought, this is beautiful. I love not only that all of us were able to get together, but that the kids feel free to cut loose, get goofy, and have so much fun with us.
I know it’s not like that for them everywhere. Not everyone in their family accepts them as they are or loves them unconditionally. There’s a huge difference between obligatory attendance at a parent’s home to avoid a narcissistic tantrum, versus truly enjoying themselves and feeling welcome. Thankfully, we are the latter, as they have told us many times.
Sitting in the living room after dinner and cake, the kids started swapping funny stories about when they were little. Each of us had to jump in and add details for the significant others in the room, to make sure they got as vivid a picture of the events as possible. Some of the stories were from when the kids were so small, and it was nearly breathtaking to sit there with that image in my head, yet this grown adult sitting there with me now. Where did the time go?
I ended up with a splitting headache from laughing so hard, but it was worth it. I had a great time. I love seeing the kids happy.
Later, after we got home, it occurred to me that the person who invested the most time in trying to destroy our relationship with the kids was not invited to this party. The fact that we had so much fun speaks volumes about how the greatest gift some people can give is their blessed absence.
Sweat & Sparkle 