Time together
Since Daniel is in the first grade (and in the first grade in a school on the far side of the galaxy), he and Helena have not had as much time together as they had in the summer. This last weekend was a long, lazy one and they had three mornings in a row to play.
On Sunday, they gathered together an enormous pile of random objects as their children. I tried (oh foolish, deranged mommy) to tidy the hell-hole that is the house while they played. I stooped to pick up Daniel’s red backpack.
“Stop! That’s Backpacky. He’s just gone to college and has bought a house of his own. We miss him terribly. But he will come visit soon, we hope.”
Of course I left Backpacky to live his life without interference.
Their other nineteen children (including Gussie, Teacup, Rose E the painted pottery duck, Whale, Hat and Fork) seemed quite content to stay at home and arrange a barbeque. At one point Daniel did refuse to have any more children.
“You must stop going to the child store, Helena. We have too many children as it is.”
On Saturday there was something about how they were going to marry but couldn’t because Bermuda was closed.
Sometime on Monday there was much singing of silly songs. You can see one here (although clearly I have something to learn about uploading videos since the sound is out of synch).
I’d love there to be a point to this post, but there isn’t really. Or if there is, it is this. That these bouts of perfectly surreal pretend play are very very important. And they only happen in the slow lazy boredom of a Sunday morning or a late afternoon. There is time enough for dance classes and soccer games. For now, let them weave these worlds and stories. My own were so real to me that they live on in me still. And as much as anything did, they showed me who I wanted to be and gave me the space to practice.
Of course, free time also allows us the opportunity to discover what we would look like wearing every sweater we own and some we don’t. That’s kinda crucial, you know.
Oh, I like this post and its message of slowing down enough to let the creative part of us rise to the top. You’re a wise and wonderful mother.
Great picture!
My son is an only child, but when he and his best friend get together for a few hours of train time, the stories they make up are priceless. I’m always glad that my “office” is in the middle of the play area.
Ahhh, that lovely imaginary world. I lived it more often than the real one as a child and struggle on a daily basis to find it again as an adult. Play on!
Helena and Daniel are very successful parents if Backpacky has bought a house while still in college!
Excellent point, sm! I love to watch my kids play and play with their “fork children” and hide from sharks, and shriek and yell tag and hide & seek. My inclination to UNDER schedule them (they’re only in preschool at this point) is to let more of this natural child freedom fun happen organically. And it’s nice for all of us. I don’t get as cranky & tired (except of course when I do) AND they get to enjoy the best best part of childhood.
Ah. You always manage to bring out reverie after reverie.
I’m always amazed and tickled at the fantasy of children, and the imagination that comes alive on a rainy day.
I, for one, had a long adventure in one tiny bedroom involving a kidnapped Cabbage Patch child, a dark and stormy forest, and a snug papoose. This epic story unfolded over a week.
Mom turned off “All My Children” and just listened at the door. When I read about Helena and Daniel, and see their charming faces, there is a teeny part of me that says, “Now THERE’S a reason for a child.”
Does that make me a bad mother?
Their imaginations amaze me! I so hope the same for our daughter and future kid! Thanks for sharing!
Ok, I just fell in love with Helena even more. Actually Daniel too- the child store- really! I didn’t think it was possible but it’s true.
May I compliment you? In my rather large and lonely expatriate apartment in Budapest, I am writing quotes from your posts on post-its and sticking them on my wall.