Savor, Advice from the Bathroom

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I’ll be the first to admit that having 4 children ages 5 and under isn’t easy. It is a blessing. I mean, this is what I dreamed about. I love my children. I can’t imagine my life any other way. But some days, I just want to hide in the closet and drink in the silence. Life with littles is hard.

We recently took a weekend to get away as a family. Our first overnight trip with 4 children. Yes, we’re crazy. Just to get everyone packed and out the door was an adventure in and of itself. But we made it. Whew.

Having to eat gluten free really limits our food options while on the road. We usually stop at eat in restaurants to allow the kids an opportunity to stretch their legs. There are usually more gluten free options on the menu {although cross-contamination is a different story}. Not always, but usually we can get something.

While we were enjoying lunch at one of these restaurants, we were sitting by the entrance and an older couple walked in. She grinned from ear to ear when she saw our family and she mumbled hellos to our children. As she walked away, she continued to smile.

It made me wish that we lived closer to family. We miss something when the older generation isn’t around to share stories about their lives. Grandparents are like living history books. We can read all about events throughout history in books, but it’s far better to listen to stories from people who actually lived through them.

Later in the meal, our oldest son had to use the restroom. As we were washing our hands, we saw her again and started talking. She told me a bit about her story. How she was in her 80’s and had 3 boys. She thought having two boys and two girls was perfect. I wanted to laugh and mention how crazy everyone else seemed to think we are. The stares. The whispers while they point. Our children are oblivious. But I’m not. They are quick to pass their judgement both through words and stares, but rarely help my little one hold the door open while I’m trying to maneuver the stroller and juggle the diaper bag while wearing the baby.

On the way out the door she spoke words that soothed my soul and brought tears to my eyes. She said, “I know it’s hard. It’s not easy having so many littles. But just remember, this is the best time of your life. Enjoy them while they are little. It goes by too fast. Before you know it, you’ll be my age and miss this time.”

It was everything I could do to hold it together in the middle of that restaurant.

She had been there. She knew.

She survived.

She lived to tell about it. This season of littles.

If she can make it, maybe there’s hope for me too.

Even on the hard days, I have a choice to make. Even on those days that all I want to do is climb back into bed. The days that children hang on me and I am touched out by 10 am. The days when no one wants to listen and every activity is a struggle. Those days.

I will savor these moments of littles that will one day be gone. Even those hard days.

Because the days are long and the years are short.

I will savor these moments.

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