October 1st. It's 97 degrees.
My oldest will be 11 this month and is all legs, opinions, fairies, dragons and ideas and angst. Art and reading abound, as well as deep conversations with me and friends about the state of the world. Time management and deodorant are still a daily struggle.
My middlest is 8 and a half and can't wait for the next time he might receive presents. "How far away is my birthday?" He is also in a particularly painful period of perpetual pestering but is beautiful in his mischief, physical strength, love of reading, tender heart, growing love of art and pushing me to find ways to engage his energy. Running, biking, climbing, wrestling. He seeks to test his mind and body in all ways. He is also training from the Dad Joke Master (Matt) and is growing in skills daily.
My youngest, age 6 and a half is all raw emotion. Whatever it is, joy, sadness, anger, he is ALL IN. The storm rages for a minute or two and then passes. Then it's all jokes and giggles and opinions. I am still the most beautiful im his eyes and when asked what his favorite subject is, he replies, "Math." Because reading is still hard. He still loves whatever his brother loves but I see signs that he is thinking of striking out on his own.
I, age 42 (and 11 months), am still wondering what I am going to be when I grow up, (Ha!), actively fighting off the mental hibernation and sadness that come with the increasing seasonal darkness. Recording my podcast, songwriting, leading a middle school choir and a girl scout troop, volunteering at school or church or in the neighborhood, making things and housework fill my time. Study, learning, philosophy, theology and deep conversations fill my mind.
It's a beautiful life, even when I lose sight of that or wish for grander things.
