I feel the summer of innocence slipping away. My son is 9 and my daughter is 10. I don't want this summer to end. This is the summer where I still don't take them to PG movies. This is the summer when they are not interested in dating. They don't get inappropriate remarks or jokes in the movies yet. The world has not corrupted them yet... some of the innocence has left -- but much of it remains. They can act "cool" but still be so much fun.I don't want it to end! We are reading The Chronicles of Narnia together. I came home from work today and they both pounced on me. We HAD to get back to reading Narnia's book 5, "The Voyage of Dawn Treader." This is a FABULOUS adventure story for us. They are old enough to get a little scared at the scary parts, but it won't cause nightmares. They are young enough to snuggle against me and wrap their hands around my arms as I hold the book (apparently this is the next best thing to holding hands).
These moments are what I LIVE FOR. These moments where my kids are mine alone and we are on an adventure. Nobody rains on our parade as we journey through our story together. "Can you please read ONE more chapter, please Mom?" And so I read another chapter, how could I not? We have a few more weeks.
I wonder if we'll finish books 5, 6, and 7 before school starts. I hope we do. I want them to enjoy these wonderful classic stories. I love how these books promote honesty, chivalry, courage, and hope. I love having these tales which reinforce these important values. I love that my kids are loving these books as much as I did the first time through.
I don't want this summer to end. I want to experience life through my children's eyes at the luxuriously unhustled pace of summer. Will they appreciate me reading out loud to them next summer? Will they still be entertained by the various voices I use for their favorite characters?
I will enjoy the hustle and bustle when school starts. I will enjoy the soccer games and school projects. But what I truly savor are these summer nights where I keep the TV off and when the kids stay up late listening to the stories which carry us to far off lands.
I love what we have right now. I want to remember this forever. I want them to remember this forever. . .
My Mom was right -- each stage with my kids has been better than the last. I hope it continues! I so fear the teen years!
3 comments:
They WILL remember this forever. That was so beautifully written. I felt like I was caught in that moment of innocence too.
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Oh man. That is so sweet, I teared up.
I know they will remember it, and so will you! Beautifully written. I could see them jumping at you when you walked in the door.... and how cool it is that they are excited to READ with you.
Lisa
I know the feeling. We are almost done with the 8th book in the "Series of Unfortunate Events" series, and they beg for it every night! We will cherish these times, I promise.
Carrie
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