Mulberry Musings

June 2008

What is a Mulberry Moment? It’s one of those moments, or maybe even a season, in life that you will remember forever. You may not know when it happens or when you’re living it that it will come to have such an impact on you though. I remember when my two children were babies and preschoolers. There was never enough time in the day to do what I thought needed to be done. Somebody always wanted something from me, and I collapsed into bed every night absolutely exhausted. My daughter never slept a full night’s sleep until she was nearly four years old so I learned to function quite nicely in that exhausted mode I came to know as “normal!” Well-meaning friends would tell me, “These are the best years of your life,” to encourage me. Encourage me? That little tidbit made me want to give up…This is it? It doesn’t get better than this?

The funny thing is that when I think back on those days, it’s with a totally different attitude. I remember those long, sleepless nights as almost pleasant. I knew my babies were happy and safe because they were stuck to me like glue. They’re preparing to begin their senior years now, one in high school and one in college. Their worlds have gotten so big that I inhabit a much smaller part of their lives. But that’s okay. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. I know this will change, too, but for now, I’m still the first person they come to when they have a problem or a reason to celebrate; and best of all, they both sleep all night now. Actually they sleep the last half of the night and all of the morning, given the chance! And by the way, when are the best days of my life? The days I’m living right now. I hope these are your best days, too!