Well, I've thought and I've thought about this Favorite Dish...and I've realized that although I am a great foodie (and my husband a former chef), and although there have been times in my life when food held a premier spot amongst our priorities, this is not one of those times.Recently, we eat on the run, catch-as-catch-can. We still find the time to eat well, but not to linger over meals or plan for them the way we used to.
We are both busy - no one in particular is to blame. This is an edgy time - a time for taking risks, a time for setting the bar high, a time for burning the candle at both ends and working as hard as we've ever worked and then some. This is a crucial time (a fact which we try not to dwell on). There is more at stake since our daughter came home than there has ever been in the length and breadth of our formerly free-wheeling lives.
What it comes down to is that, after many years of smelling the flowers, of focusing on the moment, of tasting every savory dish that passed by without a thought to the consequences, we are now focused on the future. These days, she is our favorite dish -that thing that we work for, that carrot that keeps us moving steadily forward. She is both our motivation and our reward.
12 comments:
beautiful. having had a child late in life (compared to the "norm") i understand you perfectly well and i am certain many other parents will as well.
thank you for sharing. kenza.
The image of you with Q in the bjorn reminds me of only a few months ago when my little crumb rested there during a rushed dinner, a quick errand, or all day while I worked, cleaned, and continued with life's daily events. It is a special gift when we realize the importance of living life for their future...they are life's perfect recipe.
caramelcaramelo, I thought you would understand. I have to say that having a child later in life has been a revelation for me. I'm not sure I would have put so much value on it when I was very young.
Mel - I remember very clearly trying to weed the garden with her in the Bjorn...and finding that it was more difficult than I expected! But...so worth it. They are indeed, as you say, life's perfect recipe.
Thanks for the reminder not to just take it all for granted. Sometimes I find myself trying to squeeze in just one more chore, when my time would be much better spent enjoying this day in my son's life.
You're totally right, it's about what really is important in this world. I relate to your feeling about your beautiful daughter. We as well look at our children like this.
Thank you for making such a beautiful blog, beautiful Maia!!!xx
There is no sweeter dish than a child. A very heartfelt post. Enjoy your golden weekend! xo
The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world - whether it's mommy's or daddy's hand. You are making the future.
Thanks Maia!
Your words refresh me and give me energy to move on.
You are the UltraMom, y'know.
What your little Q will achieve with your love and care to launch her...well, you'll see, won't you?
Have a lovely November sort of weekend...
Everytime I come here, I am deeply touched by your love to Q. Almost tears in my eyes. How can you be such a loving peroson? Thanks for sharing. Have a good weekend.
Lovely, lovely sentiment- and so very true. There will be time enough to linger in the future. Children are so very precious and kudos to you for understanding that!
When I look at these pictures I am stunned. I forgot how tiny she was. Parenting late in life, if we choose to accept it, is one of the greatest gifts.
Post a Comment