Monday June 30th, 2008
I think I am at the apex of my park decade.
I know its a fleeting thing: the simplicity of going to the park. As my summer has settled into the softness of what-do-you-want-to-do-today mornings and shed the hardness of the school year schedule, the spontaneity of taking my girls to the park seems like a viable morning activity.
Early, before the sun hits the high point in the sky and the air seems to stop, we went this morning. Even from 9 – 10 it still is warm enough for the sunscreen-sweat-dirt equation to matter. The girls play and run, sometimes together, sometimes splitting off when other kids come.
As I watch a group of girls just a couple years older than Hope, free from 3rd grade classrooms in their summer vacation, I realize that my park “career” will be coming to a close soon. For as long as I’ve been a mother, we’ve gone to the park, even simply to sit outside and enjoy the air. I might just be exactly halfway through a decade of park excursions. I really only have about 4 or 5 more good years before it becomes too boring or silly for my now-two-year-old.
They greet, create and leave behind 20 minute playmates. My girls might see them again, they probably won’t. Hope whimpers a little as we head back to the car, picking a flower for her new “friend” and running back to give it to her. Hope says in youthful drama, “Don’t lose it. I want you to remember me.”
She won’t. And Hope will forget her too. But friendships are forged quickly over monkey bars and slides.
I guess reaching the apex of something means that you are coming down the other side and looking toward what is ahead. I don’t know yet what comes after parks. They are simple, easy and free. I’m not quite ready for complicated, even though I know it’s fast approaching.
I love how kids can pick up new friends so easily…you described the scene well.
I’m not sure what is next either. I’m content to hang out at the park a bit longer too.
how funny. i took the kids to the park today and i wasn’t so beautifully optimistic about being there. i was wondering how much longer we have to come to the park. thanks for the different perspective. and the post about honesty was beautifully written, too. if we lived in the same town, i’m sure we’d meet at the park one morning.
yes, i miss those times. they just seem so simple to me now. simple = easy & no stress.
Yes, Joy, we would take the kiddos to the park! =)
Ah yes…park days. Isn’t it nice to just be able to sit there while your kids play?! Although, I’m at the stage where 2 of my 3 can do that & now my 3rd wants to get around, so I’m busy at the park. But like you said, I don’t think it compares to the difference of what lies ahead.
love that picture of Naomi!
great perspective on enjoying these carefree, easy park days before things get more complicated as the kids get older and busier.
Thinking too far ahead can be overwhelming. I’m past the park stage – but I still find myself content to stay HERE, not sure about what comes next.
So far, each unfolding stage has been a joy to unwrap. I still have my moments when I miss those days, but that’s what nieces and nephews are for!
We went to the park today and Torie fell off the swing and hurt herself. She was so upset she could’t calm down, so we had to leave.
I guess, like Jennifer said, each stage has its gifts and its trials.
You have no idea.
Oh, those first years seem to linger and then, in a blink, they disappear in a flash. (The teen years, I am sorry to report, last f-o-r-e-v-e-r.)
what comes after parks?
shopping…
oh…
and periods…
something to look forward to: being broke while fighting raging hormones – all at the same time!
tell Chad to get ready.
Ah yes, what would we do without the parks? I loved them as a child, and I love taking Addie now. Let me know if you’re up for a (spontaneous or planned, either one) park playdate next week. I may be due in 3 1/2 weeks but am still going strong.
Love the picture of Naomi!
nah, my girls are 9 and 8 and they still love the park. shoot, i do too!