Hmmmm… I felt all of this one deeply. The teenagers who drag their feet to participate, their interests separating from your own, if one abstains from joining the other will follow, fear of falling, even the hurt feelings at being teased. sometimes but not always!
Thank you for writing this—it helps to know I’m not alone (cliche but true). This year holiday made me aware that I’m in the middle of an awkward transition with my kids (age 19 & 21). Some of the traditions we’ve had for years landed differently this year, they participated but were less enthusiastic. I think I’m on the cusp being a little more in their rearview mirror, and I didn’t expect it to hit me as hard as it is. 😭
Loved the ins and outs of your story! And the fact that I could picture you up on Mt Spokane. I was up there the day before. Our conditions weren't stellar due to the warmth, but the snow hadn't landed yet. Have a wonderful year with your family!
This is such a wonderful post, reminding me of so many memories with my kids/family. While life is never perfect, the experience in hindsight is something you'd never trade.
This was so lovely to read. I love the crossed off words, the attempts to be patient and kind and loving in spite of your initial tendency, calling on your yoga mastery! And I love the metaphor of falling down and kids falling away. I feel this deeply. I'm at the end of a writing retreat right now, and didn't always meet my high standards of being centered and focused. So this was helpful that way too. Thank you for writing this. I'm not sure how it landed in my inbox but I'm glad it did.
Thanks Nancy. What a lovely comment. I’m so glad it resonated for you. I read it over with my writing group before publishing and one of my group members commented on it being about striving for perfection and how that messes with our head sometimes which I am now thinking about a lot. I’m so glad you made the time for a writing retreat. I often find that sometimes those spaces are a chance for me to return to myself even if a lot of writing doesn’t get done. However, you found your way to this space, I’m sure glad to have you here.
Aargh, it’s all so believable! And ahhh, your end to the day is so beautiful! It’s always amazing how being outside can put us right, even when conditions suck—I mean, are less than ideal. Thanks for making me laugh.
Love the crossed out sections lol! Totally relate to the falling (not from skiing, but I fell off a curb last year at a book conference) and now I have a writers’ conference at the end of January, and I’m like “Don’t fall again!”
Happy New Year … may you four always hold the ties of memory, the weaving of experience with gentle hands and fierce protection : )
Lovely Karen. Thank you!
Hmmmm… I felt all of this one deeply. The teenagers who drag their feet to participate, their interests separating from your own, if one abstains from joining the other will follow, fear of falling, even the hurt feelings at being teased. sometimes but not always!
Thank you for writing this—it helps to know I’m not alone (cliche but true). This year holiday made me aware that I’m in the middle of an awkward transition with my kids (age 19 & 21). Some of the traditions we’ve had for years landed differently this year, they participated but were less enthusiastic. I think I’m on the cusp being a little more in their rearview mirror, and I didn’t expect it to hit me as hard as it is. 😭
I find that I am surprised and sometimes overcome with emotion when I least expect it. You are definitely not alone.
This is such a sweet story and awesome thoughts for the new year- Happy New Year!
Thank you! Happy New Year to you as well!
Loved the ins and outs of your story! And the fact that I could picture you up on Mt Spokane. I was up there the day before. Our conditions weren't stellar due to the warmth, but the snow hadn't landed yet. Have a wonderful year with your family!
Thanks so much Beth! I wish you a wonderful year as well. Maybe we’ll see each other on the mountain.
This is such a wonderful post, reminding me of so many memories with my kids/family. While life is never perfect, the experience in hindsight is something you'd never trade.
Thanks Sue! I’m glad you enjoyed it and it brought good memories to mind!
Lovely story and writing style. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much Nicole! Thanks for reading!
This was so lovely to read. I love the crossed off words, the attempts to be patient and kind and loving in spite of your initial tendency, calling on your yoga mastery! And I love the metaphor of falling down and kids falling away. I feel this deeply. I'm at the end of a writing retreat right now, and didn't always meet my high standards of being centered and focused. So this was helpful that way too. Thank you for writing this. I'm not sure how it landed in my inbox but I'm glad it did.
Thanks Nancy. What a lovely comment. I’m so glad it resonated for you. I read it over with my writing group before publishing and one of my group members commented on it being about striving for perfection and how that messes with our head sometimes which I am now thinking about a lot. I’m so glad you made the time for a writing retreat. I often find that sometimes those spaces are a chance for me to return to myself even if a lot of writing doesn’t get done. However, you found your way to this space, I’m sure glad to have you here.
You have such a beautiful family.
I like them. Thanks for reading. 🥰
Aargh, it’s all so believable! And ahhh, your end to the day is so beautiful! It’s always amazing how being outside can put us right, even when conditions suck—I mean, are less than ideal. Thanks for making me laugh.
So true! Thanks for reading.
I’m so glad you’re back! This post was a delight. I could hear your voice so clearly.
Thanks friend! I’m so glad my falling on my ass brought you joy.
This was so lovely - and made me tear up *and* laugh, as only the best art can do ❤️
Love the crossed out sections lol! Totally relate to the falling (not from skiing, but I fell off a curb last year at a book conference) and now I have a writers’ conference at the end of January, and I’m like “Don’t fall again!”
I remember that. You got this!