Teacups and tepees

The slower pace of today was a welcome change for everyone after several very busy weeks and more on the horizon.

Today, I was reminded by my daughter that it is at this slower more deliberate pace which I will create and cherish memories of her childhood. When my children are grown and juggling with their own families schedules it will be the quiet times that I remember fondly.

Today it was a tea party with the "fancy" cups under cover of the tepee santa brought two years ago that she shared once again the joy of childhood with me.

Today I am thankful for rainy days, teacups and tepees, but mostly the gift of family and the time we have together.

To childhood

This week has been tragic, sad and horrible. My son is in the second grade, and daily I am amazed at what he knows, can do, or is curious about. It seems like just yesterday he was brand new. This week he and his classmates were forced to deal with something I believe no child should have to deal with...the death of a friend and classmate.

As a parent, I want to shelter, protect and keep my children's innocence from all of the stuff adults have to deal with or know about. I want to build their dreams, encourage their hopes and make them believe anything and everything is possible.

I never imagined explaining the death of a friend to my child. Death of an elderly loved one, sure, not easy, but expected.

It has been a long week, a difficult week, a heartbreaking week, and yet still life goes on.

I am thankful now more than ever for my children's school, for the supportive community and amazing teachers. I am thankful that my son is still to young to fully understand the sadness of the loss, and that he has the faith and innocence of a child. I am thankful that he has faith in a greater purpose and something after this world.

To childhood...the sweetness, the simplicity, the beauty. I wish we could all hold on to it just a little longer.