The ceiling fan spins above us. Lazy but effective.
It’s hot, humid, summer. And we are adrift in a big bed – the one with no frame or headboard. The one we’ve had thirteen years now. White sheets billow soft around us. Me and him. We share the sacred moment of the Sunday afternoon nap. Knowing I leave tomorrow for a project that will take me two nights away from this bed, suddenly makes it all the more important – hiding out here with him.
But we are rarely alone for long.
Small footsteps, a blond head and a whispered request to climb the bed, share the sheets. He snuggles in between us – this nearly five-year-old piece of us. And the boat rocks and the heart feels full and the fan blows warmth over us.
And then the baby who’s not really a baby anymore wants to join us too. And he brings his puppy and teddy bear and bottle of milk. A boy on either side, I lie and look at the man who made them with me. We smile tired across their heads; hope that everyone falls back asleep soon. Naps are not to be taken lightly.
The fan spins. The white sheet flaps. Small toes peek out from corners. Chests rise and fall rhythmic peace and I have an ache in my neck and a much more powerful one in my heart.
This is what home feels like.
beautiful!
The everyday moments you capture are breathtaking because of your powerful words. I feel peace washing over me as I read.
Have a marvelous trip!
Aw shucks, thanks! That peace – I wanted to bottle it up and take it with me. This post is the closest I could come.
Anyone that has children and a loving family knows this scene. That was incredible and beautifully written!
Such a precious repose… Love the toes peeking out from corners. :) Do you know Chatting at the Sky? She does this thing called Tuesdays Unwrapped, and it’s about noticing, cherishing and celebrating the little moments in life like these – little, but perfect. You two would probably get along famously!
Thanks for that little window to your heart. I’m enjoying getting to know you through your writing!
-Laurie
http://livingpower.blogspot.com
Loved it. Yes, naps here are very similar and we wouldn’t have it any other way. There will come a time when there will be no more naps and they will be off on their own. We need to treasure it while we can.
That’s lovely.
I’m probably a bit older than most of the other readers. My oldest daughter is nearly your age…
But I remember when she and her sister were small, and they would join their Daddy and me on the sofa along with our two cats. I used to think that anything could happen and it would be okay because there we were…all together, adrift on our own little boat.
So sweet! Our little blondie does the same thing each morning. I love it. It doesn’t last long. Enjoy all of these moments! And have a good trip.
Beautiful.
Sad you’re gone today. I need a little one-on-one with friend.
Lovely.
yes, I want to go to there…a nap sounds really nice right about now…especially one with the hubby!
love your simple, day to day moments captured on paper :) they are magical.
hope you enjoy the southland – get some grits n sweet tea girl!
my heart aches for this kind of home…thanks for sharing yours. may you return be swift! drum bun (romanian for: safe travels…a good road).
Oh love this. I had that same sensation of “feeling home” when we camped with the little ones last week in the backyard–as we cuddled in sleeping bags, as I woke in the middle of the night with the worst crimp in my shoulder. I felt like the luckiest girl alive.
I was just perusing someone else’s links and was skimming down your page and was caught by ‘nearly five year old piece of us’. Perfect, poignant. A new way to talk about my children from now on.
It was even more drawing to see that you are from South Africa – so is my husband. Appreciated the ‘snot and tears’ haha. I’ll be back!
I love reading all these – makes me want to move even more than normal!
White picket fences or not.
If you know what I mean
Lisa Jo – Sarah shared your website with me and I am so enjoying reading your posts… I have cried already three times. This one is especially meaningful to me as we have two boys and this is a very familiar picture in our house. One of the best times of the day.