The Sounds of Silence

Silence can include a dishwasher, a barking dog and a cat shredding the weather stripping on the garage door to get in. Okay, maybe not the barking dog...

It is all relative. Just one long hour ago, my sweet daughter was having a meltdown to beat all meltdowns, and my ear drums were about to explode. My heart rate was rising and my thoughts could have turned to anger or agony, but I soothed myself and brought to mind the principles of Love and Logic. I remembered how to have fun in the face of adversity, how to maintain a smile on my face, and I gave the problem back to her to solve. Am I delusional? Is this a romantic dream?

A parent has a different notion of romance. Romance might include a homemade card with hearts and stars all over it, a dish taken to the sink and even a lipstick print on the wall. Bubble baths? Alone time? Red wine and candlelight? In your dreams! By the time the dishes are clean and the clothes laundered, there is no time or hot water left. However, red wine is still an option, be it in a sippy cup or gold rimmed goblet, it makes no difference.

A broken stream of thought is a common occurance, and silent moments few and far in bewteen, but the reality of being a parent is heaven on earth. The small hands in yours, the sweet words and the hugs... may you never forget the hugs.