She writes with the scent of a burning, lilac candle filling the room and under the illumination of a military, headband flashlight resting on the bed above her notebook. The fan blows the corner of her page, and even through the shadows, she can see the wavering lace curtains desperately need washing. The blinds behind them are no better and since she knows this chore will not make her list of accomplishments tomorrow, she consoles herself with the thought that dust layers function much like thermal, blackout curtains, providing a barrier against the summer sun. Being eco-friendly and thrifty are praiseworthy traits for any accomplished housewife.
Listening to the rattled breathing of a sick baby nearby, she reflects on her day. That morning she woke to baby jabbering and hearing her son’s feet excitedly thumping the crib mattress. She saw his brown curls above the bumper pad as he exerted great effort to peer over it. She wondered if he was looking for her or scouting for something new to chew on. She rose with a smile and was greeted with an excited, giggle gasp. He did not mind her messy bed head, dark under-eye circles, and morning breath. His welcome made her feel like the prettiest woman in the world and when she picked him up, he gave her a drool-filled good morning kiss. He laughed as she returned the affection with a growling kiss on his neck.
Within an hour, her cheerful boy became irritable and cranky. She thought perhaps he was just ready for a morning nap a bit earlier than usual, but she soon realized that he had caught her recent head cold. She spent the day juggling a cuddling, crabby baby who wouldn’t nap and school lessons for her three older children. In the late afternoon, an exhausted mom and weary baby retreated to the outdoor swing. It is his favorite place, where the rhythm of nature always soothes his spirit and restores her energy. They swung with his head resting on her chest and as he stared up at her, she looked into a brilliant canvas. A masterful artist painted his tired eyes with radiant shades of blue. She thought of her son being created in God’s image as she viewed her own image reflecting back at her. Through his eyes, she saw his hand touching her face and billowing clouds gracing the blue sky between the oak branches over their heads. Her own backyard transformed into a gallery containing the most awe-inspiring works of art. She lingered there, not quite ready to leave this extraordinary moment for the ordinary duties awaiting her. She doesn't even remember the distraction which beckoned her attention, but before turning today’s page, she pens her memory, thanking God for the blessings bestowed upon a common housewife.
Listening to the rattled breathing of a sick baby nearby, she reflects on her day. That morning she woke to baby jabbering and hearing her son’s feet excitedly thumping the crib mattress. She saw his brown curls above the bumper pad as he exerted great effort to peer over it. She wondered if he was looking for her or scouting for something new to chew on. She rose with a smile and was greeted with an excited, giggle gasp. He did not mind her messy bed head, dark under-eye circles, and morning breath. His welcome made her feel like the prettiest woman in the world and when she picked him up, he gave her a drool-filled good morning kiss. He laughed as she returned the affection with a growling kiss on his neck.
Within an hour, her cheerful boy became irritable and cranky. She thought perhaps he was just ready for a morning nap a bit earlier than usual, but she soon realized that he had caught her recent head cold. She spent the day juggling a cuddling, crabby baby who wouldn’t nap and school lessons for her three older children. In the late afternoon, an exhausted mom and weary baby retreated to the outdoor swing. It is his favorite place, where the rhythm of nature always soothes his spirit and restores her energy. They swung with his head resting on her chest and as he stared up at her, she looked into a brilliant canvas. A masterful artist painted his tired eyes with radiant shades of blue. She thought of her son being created in God’s image as she viewed her own image reflecting back at her. Through his eyes, she saw his hand touching her face and billowing clouds gracing the blue sky between the oak branches over their heads. Her own backyard transformed into a gallery containing the most awe-inspiring works of art. She lingered there, not quite ready to leave this extraordinary moment for the ordinary duties awaiting her. She doesn't even remember the distraction which beckoned her attention, but before turning today’s page, she pens her memory, thanking God for the blessings bestowed upon a common housewife.
A sweet memory to record. I hope you both are feeling better today.
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope that you are both feeling better. Beautiful record of a day in the life of a Mamma.
ReplyDeletei love how you worded this through the third person... how you made us other mamas realize we're not alone, how you brought our Lord into all of it. bless you.
ReplyDelete