As the kids began to read, they all wanted to read mysteries. One of our favorite early mystery series was Cam Jansen. Cam is her nickname, short for camera, because she has a photographic memory. You can imagine how handy that comes in while sleuthing.
When chaos would strike, Cam would close her eyes and say, CLICK. It imprinted a detailed memory of the location and characters in her mind and she always returned to that CLICK when solving the mystery.
This weekend, I found myself whispering, CLICK.
Another year has passed. I’m in that quiet, head-down phase after 40 and before 50. Lots happening, life busy, so much good and so much exhaustion.
But this weekend, I savored the sweet season it is. Not weather season mind you, it’s brutally hot down here on the Texas Gulf Coast, but life season.
Friday night, I gathered at a neighbor’s house with some girl mommas and their girls. We laughed and commiserated and girls swam and performed dances for us. One momma commented, they won’t do that much longer, want us watching. CLICK.
Saturday morning, we strolled around the farmer’s market and the kids had overprices frozen drinks and we selected meats and produce and pasta. We laughed and then drove over to Lowe’s. The kids brought home two turtles from the farm, Big T and Shelly, and the boys wanted to purchase pebbles and mulch and chicken wire for the habitat they’re building in our backyard. A series of ponds and rivers all dug with their own hands in the heat. But the end result of a large outdoor turtle area left them beaming with pride. CLICK.
We watched the LSU – UT game (geaux Tigers!), first alone, and then with neighbors, and the kids jumped around and little bit went to bed early because she’d had enough after half time. I found her curled up asleep in my bed after the game. CLICK.
Sunday morning, we went to church. Our pew was all kids and me. We had parents of fourth grade friends in front of us and in back of us and the friends on our pew. Sitting between the boys, they each laid their head on one of my shoulders during the sermon and I soaked it in. Is this the last time they are comfortable laying their head on my shoulder during a service with their friends around, I wondered? CLICK.
There were birthday parties and play dates and wine with fellow moms while the kids played in the backyard. There was an escaped turtle and ensuing search (Shelly is still on the loose, say your prayers). There were chicken enchiladas and rides in the pool on the new bull inflatable. (The one that has Stanley puppy barking like a mad man.)
CLICK. CLICK. CLICK.
I don’t have the world’s best memory. So I spent a lot of effort focusing on how good all this is. How overwhelmingly grateful I am for every minute of it. I may not have Cam Jansen’s photographic memory, but these moments are emblazoned on my heart.
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