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Friday, January 30, 2009

Pillow Notes



It’s at the quiet moments during the day when thoughts of my children pop into my mind…I’ll be in an elevator and think of how my 8 year old daughter made us play school the night before and gave us stickers for good work. I’ll be driving to an appointment and remember my High School daughter coming home, shyly sneeking a magnet off the refrigerator, and me, catching her out of the corner of my eye, watching, as she hangs a Chemistry test with a 91 on it . I know she was wondering if we would notice it there. On a bank line, I get a vision of my son who is at college, calling the evening before to see how his little sister did on her first day of Chirpers (choral group).

How silly I must look, smiling to myself! In my pocketbook I keep empty cards and in a spare moment of time, I write them a little note about how they make me proud or how I was thinking about them.

Then somehow AFTERSCHOOL time comes. At our house this involves homework, driving kids places, kids driving me crazy, getting dinner on the table, baths…and by the beginning of the evening I am not thinking about any of them so kindly! Someone has surely complained about the broccoli on the dinner table (“Again, Mom?”), not picked the wet wash off the bedroom floor, spilled iced tea, forgotten to feed the rabbit…and I am tired of it all.

Then I’ll remember how I felt earlier in the day and get the note from my pocketbook and leave it under one of their bedroom pillows to be read before bed. Because at day’s end, when the house quiets down, and the kitchen lights are off (it is officially closed!) and everyone is either in bed or quietly studying, I like them again and I want them to know it!

I may have yelled at you for not picking up your wet towel at 7 pm but at 9 pm I can tell you I love you!

18 comments:

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Tara!

What a sweet post! It's really the way it is. I remember my youngest son when he was a Sr kissing & hugging me goodbye when I'd drop him off at HS. I'd tell him he didn't have to do that. And he would say he didn't care if other kids thought it was stupid to love their parent! And my other son holding my hand when he was a Sr in HS to guide me to a place on the merry-go-round (which I love) at the fair and ride with me! Those things are ingrained in my memory. I've forgotten all the squabbles between them and the messy rooms. Now they're terrific grown men, one a wonderful parent. The house is quieter now... until the grandbabies invade!!!

Big hugs, Sherry

pve design said...

Just when I thought I was the only one who had these sort of Mommie Dearest moments. Alas, you two, good company we mom's provide.
Look for the good, on your hammock.

A Romantic Porch said...

Oh Tara, That is so sweet. I'm going to start doing that. Thanks for the idea. xo rachel

Mary said...

As my four children are now scattered coast to coast (and I'm somewhere in the middle)I wish I had them home to annoy me so I had to remember how wonderful they are and write a note to tell them. All I can say is keep doing that ... you will never regret it.

Now ... I will go call/email/blog to my kids.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Tara, this is so precious! What a lovely post!

Hope you're having an equally lovely day and doing a lot of smilling...

XO,

Sheila :-)

bj said...

Dear Sweet Tara...this is as normal as breathing ! We, everyone, all go thru this very same thing..this is the beauty part of being a Grandmother. No longer do I have to feel stressed when they are with me...all pure joy...so, see...your future is gonna be mighty sweet !!
xo bj

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Tara
A beautiful post and a good reminder to all parents that children grow up quickly and the special little moment are the ones they remember the most.
We were so touched recently, when our daughter-in-law told us that my son reflected on his childhood and told her he loved our nightly family dinners where we would all eat together talking about our day, all the good and bad things that might have happened, etc. So many of his friends ate take out, alone in front of a TV, while their parents worked late or we out on business calls,etc. He said no matter what, he wanted his son to grow up with a family dinner every night. I took those dinners for granted, thinking it was just routine, never knowing the impact they had on him.
So your little love notes will probably be something your children will always remember and cherish. Good job!
Have a great weekend!
Hugs, Pat

Just A Girl said...

Oh Tara what a wonderful memory that will be for each one of them as they grow older. I still have all the notes my mother has written to me and they always bring tears to my eyes when I read them. I'll bet you're an amazing mom!

xo Cori

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Quite the perfect description of real life!! The love shines through the words!

Unknown said...

Oh Tara, you gave a perfect description of how I feel too. At time I really go bonkers with the children's schedule, their fightings (which is all the time), my nagging (all the time too) and then at night when i see them sleeping, I am reminded of all those little things they do for me. A hug and always telling me they love me even when I was crossed with them. They are such an angels at times, and at times..I so wish I could be alone haha :D But this is a great post, it reminded me why we have them in the beginning..so much love and joy they give to us. Happy weekend Tara, big hugs to you always.

annechovie said...

Great points, Tara. You have a great attitude!

Barbara said...

Tara, It seems strand calling someone else Tara...this is my daughter's name. I love your toughts about your children and even though my is grown, I stil thing of her as a young girl. Your hammock pictures are great, I love a hammock and we have several. Come and see me and register for my valentine heart bracelet I am giving away. Hope to see you soon

Mary-Laure said...

I love those pop, colorful pillows. They would sure brighten up my room.

Rosie's Whimsy said...

It's nice to hear about the "normal" moments of the day and how special you make your children know they are. It's always the little things.......

Cottage Contessa said...

Oh Tara, you really are just the sweetest lady aren't you! This is a lovely post, and one that I can relate to very much as I do exactly the same! lol Have a wonderful week sweetie!
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

Anonymous said...

I love this post Tara. Although my boys flew the nest a long, long time ago sometimes when I think of them the feeling is so profound it brings tears to my eyes. It brings new meaning to the term missing someone.:) ~ L

Donna said...

What a sweet post, Tara! I can remember times like that with our two girls. Wonderful memories.

Hugs,
Donna

Life on the Edge said...

What a wonderful way to remind your children, and yourself when they are driving you nuts, how special they are! I wonder if they keep those notes! I sure would.

Kady