Time is ever getting away from me. I’ve been just skimming the internets lately, barely keeping up. We are on another trip down south, which means I have even less time to devote to anything computerized.
Actually, it’s not time that’s the problem. It’s this annoying obligation known as “being a polite guest.” You know – where you have to remember that it’s not all about you, and hence, you stay off the computer and, y’know… talk to real, 3-D people who are in the room with you.
I submit that this is good for us, on very many levels.
Last night, I attended a birthday party for my next-to-youngest daughter. She is, as of Wednesday, 30 years old, and is one of the most beautiful and classiest women I know. All of my daughters are amazing. I think I’ve mentioned that once or twice.
She threw a well-attended bash, with a black-and-white theme (black to mourn being 30, and white to indicate the best years are ahead), with lots of balloons, food, and wine. I think everyone had a good time. Even 2-year-old Van had a good time, but he was smart about it. When the crowd got too big and too noisy, he retreated to an upstairs alcove where he could watch a cartoon in peace. Some of us took turns sitting up there with him, providing opportunity for quiet chats between two or three people.
That was nice. The whole party was marvelous. I helped cook up a batch of pan-seared sirloin and helped my son-in-law make a successful Bearnaise sauce. He gets most of the credit since he did all the stirring. I just tossed in the occasional cube of butter and offered encouragement.
From a mother’s perspective, let me say that it’s wonderful when a child reaches adulthood surrounded by a close and happy circle of friends, people who are of good character and honest compassion. It makes the task of “letting go” so much easier, knowing there are others watching over over your child. And knowing that your child is also doing some “watching over” of her own.
My, I’ve gotten a bit sodden, haven’t I? I guess that happens when kids have birthdays. For now, I must get back to the “real” people around here, and let you all get back to your lives. Have a good one!
Marlene Dotterer 