Recently we returned from a trip to sunny north coast NSW. It was the first time we had left our children overnight without us – ever. Fortunately we are in a position to do this with family members happily taking charge of them.
The whole trip felt almost surreal for various reasons – one chiefly being the absence of two familiar small and noisy creatures. It felt like luxury to be able to be spontaneous, to enjoy some quiet or to actually spend an afternoon out (our two happily nap whole afternoons away…hmm maybe I shouldn’t complain!). By the second day though, I was desperately missing them which really took me by surprise.
We called home a couple of times and I tell you there is no sweeter sound than your own child’s voice (when they’re hundreds of miles away that is). Katie was cheery at first but then asked when we were coming back. I could tell she was a little sad. I couldn’t finish the conversation I was too overcome with emotion. I don’t think I have ever felt such a deep longing for my children as I did then.
It was 10:30 pm the next day when we finally arrived home. I opened Sam’s door and just stared at his sleeping face. I wanted to pick him up and hold him. In the dim light I was sure I could detect a boyish change in him. He half opened his eyes and saw me. His eyes grew bigger and he began to kick his limbs about excitedly. I stepped out quickly into Katie’s room and as usual she had thrown her blankets off. I noticed how tall she was getting. I decided to whisper my presence to her and she immediately turned to me and mumbled a sleepy slur.
I tucked her in and realised just how glad I was to be home and how much my children are growing before my very eyes.
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