The view out my side mirror

Do you ever catch your child in a moment of pure innocence? Maybe you've watched them lean down to smell a flower. Or, maybe you've observed as they imaginatively role play with their favorite teddy bear or doll. These precious moments allow me, as a parent, to take a deep breath and invite the giggle, smile, serenity or excitement to wash over me like a healing salve.

The moments in which our children celebrate the simplicity of life and wonder of childhood take away the stress and chaos of parenting, if only briefly. The other day, my three kids and I were running errands (one of the great anti-joys of motherhood) when I peaked out my side mirror and saw Eden's delicate hand peaking out of her window. As I was rolling through my mental check-list of things to do, she was simply enjoying the ride. Her eyes were closed as her hand rode the current of the wind, the corners of her mouth turned just slightly up in a subtle acknowledgement of contentment.

As I watched her tiny hand, palm turned up in acceptance of her blessings, the rolling check-list came to a screeching halt. Only then did I notice Gioia's head swaying back and forth to the Sugarland song on the radio and Rocco intently trying over and over again to tie his shoe. I was so busy racing (both mentally and physically), that I wasn't as mindful and thankful for my cargo as I should be.

This whole experience lasted a short amount of time, but it changed my outlook and made me realize that some day soon, I will be running errands alone as they continue to explore life without me. Whether she's with me or not, I will probably always see Eden's hand riding the wave of childhood, every time I look out my side view mirror. For that memory, I am thankful.