Yet last night she found her words again. "Mommy read some books with me?" I put down the dishes and we sat and read some books. My hands had barely touched the dishes again when her sweet voice said, "Mommy run with me a little bit?" And one dish later I find myself silly running back and forth from living room to kitchen.
Once she got occupied with some toys I went back toward the dishes. "Moommmmy! ...Play with me? Just a couple minutes?" Now, I really do not like to wake to dishes in the kitchen sink and yet in that moment I couldn't deny the bigger picture.
Instead of asking her to wait until the dishes are done, as I usually would, I just said yes. We got out the Playdoh and for the next hour we created. We created different shapes and animals. We created names and stories like Bella the butterfly meeting Florence the beautiful flower. Most of all we created a moment to cherish.
I'm grateful to let go of the need to do dishes and just be present with my daughter. I'm grateful for a break in the whining and to encourage her words by acknowledging and agreeing. I'm grateful I do not have to cut teeth, though I wish I could take the pain for my child. I'm grateful for her sweet voice and the way she wants to spend time with me. I'm grateful to recognize the beauty of these moments. I'm grateful for all the creativity Playdoh allows us, no matter our age. I'm grateful to create moments with one of the most special people in my life.
What is your favorite memory of an adult from your childhood? What moments do you cherish and how do you create moments now that can become those special memories?
May today remind us that our choices matter. May our answers reflect our values and may we take the opportunity to create cherished moments. Have a beautiful day!