Wednesday 22 June 2011

Through it all... {From the Archives}

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”Antoine de Saint-ExupĂ©ry, The Little Prince

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There are those days when a whole box of cereal launches itself across a kitchen floor before a lucid words been spoken.
And the sound of bickering seems to overcome the deepest silent prayer of a sleep deprived mother.
The clatter of dishes spill out of the sink to migrate into and eventually conquer all known kitchen surfaces.
And somehow though coffee seems to be the only known cure to a hundred ills, a hot cup becomes startlingly illusive.
But then...
The baby smiles, a milky breathed smile.
And the light catches that scatty cereal flinging girls hair.
The one with all the answers comes quietly beside me. "I'll read them a story while you get the baby dressed."
And suddenly the gauze lifts.
The veil drops.
I see.
I see again.
The gifts that unwrap and unfold all around me. Enfold me. Unfold me. Unwrap me.
I am not the one in control of this carousel. I can't wave the wand like Mary Poppins and clear up every mess.
Make all the pieces fit. This life is a kaleidoscope. One small movement and the whole picture changes once again.
I can't  outmaneuver it, contain it, hold it under my thumb.
No my place is hands free and heart full.
My place is to Love.
Through flying boxes of cereal. Through tears and tantrums. Through multiplying dishes and receding surfaces. Through every cup of stone cold coffee.
I can love.
And love will find me, and them, and bring us closer, truer, kinder, stronger.
Despite it all.
Because of it all.

11 comments:

  1. I want to tell you that this will pass sooner than you would wish. Love that you can see the blessing

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  2. Another deep breath as I read this. So so lovely, thank you :).

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  3. Sometimes we can all get lost in the crazy of the moment, but when we realize we possess the ability to step back and simply witness it all... life is good again. You seem to be able to do that, and through it, find your joy once more. :) This was a joy to read, as all your posts are. I don't think that there is anything more lovely than milky baby breath. While I love this part of my journey, the girls becoming independent and finding their way, if I could go back for just one moment it would be to nurse a sleepy baby and smell that milky breath. :)

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  4. LOVE this post! I have those days all the time, but now your image of life being a kaleidoscope will stick with me. Fantastic!

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  5. ... and love, dear one, is something you do exceedingly well.

    visiting you here is a joy for me ... always.

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  6. Mine are a little older (8 & 12), but I remember those days well, and as I said goodbye to my oldest this week (for a school trip), I was playing those all those sweet, sweet memories in my mind. You've captured those snippets of your life here, too.

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  7. But then...
    The baby smiles, a milky breathed smile.
    And the light catches that scatty cereal flinging girls hair.


    oh my goodness. and this: "life is a kaleidoscope." suzy, you blow me away. this is the most beautiful thing i've read in a long time... thank you.

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  8. mmmm so true. thank you for this. I think any mother can relate to this.

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  9. yes, yes, yes. beautiful.

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I treasure each and every one of your comments.
Your kind words never fail to bring a smile to my face:)
At the moment I am going through a busy season of life with 5 girls under my wing! I may not always be able to respond immediately but please know that every word left here is read and appreciated deeply.
xx