Olden Days

Last week, Kiera and I pulled up to my work. We had picked up lunch and were bringing it back to the office to eat.

“Can you get the bags, Mom?” Kiera asked.

I assumed that since she had carried them from the restaurant to the car, she just wanted me to carry them in to work. I tossed my phone in my purse, slung my purse on my shoulder, grabbed my drink and picked up the food bags.

Pushing the car door closed with my foot, I glanced at Kiera. She was carrying her baby and her drink.

“What?” She asked with a grin as she noticed me glancing at her. “Look, I had to carry my baby.”

She held her baby up as if to prove that she had her hands full.

I scoffed. “Please. When you were a baby, I used to carry grocery bags, my purse, my phone, the diaper bag and you!”

As we strode across the parking lot, she grinned mischievously at me. “Yea… but that was in the olden days.”

I gasped loudly. “Olden days! Really?” I exclaimed.

She just grinned at me and continued walking.

This child. Oh, she can make me crazy. But, I have to tell you… her heart is so sweet and pure.

A couple of Saturdays ago, she came in the bedroom and woke me up. “Mom.” She stated as she patted my shoulder.

I rolled over to face her and opened my arms to hug her. “Good morning, baby.” I said.

“I’ve been thinking.” She stated as she cuddled into my shoulder.

Now, that phrase… I often say that phrase and it generally strikes fear into the heart of whomever I am speaking with. I now know that fear.

“Ok…” I said.

“You know, I am getting older.” She leaned back to look into my face as she spoke. “I think that for Christmas this year, I don’t want a lot of toys.”

I blinked my eyes trying to clear the last bit of grogginess out of my mind as she continued on.

“I would like money for Christmas. That way I can give it to the homeless or kids that wouldn’t get toys.” She explained.

Suddenly, I wasn’t blinking grogginess away as much as I was blinking back moisture in my eyes.

“That is a very sweet thing to do, baby.” I responded, pulling her in for another hug. “Let me see what we can do.”

I am so thankful for this child… even when she knowingly and jokingly insults me. I am thankful for her gentle and kind spirit, how she sees the good in so many people and how she always wants to help others.

In just a few days, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. I encourage you to stop and think about what you are thankful for in your life. I could go on and on with the many wonderful things in my life. Yes, we struggle some days, but I can always find something to be thankful for.

Not only am I thankful for Kiera, I’m thankful for my husband. He goes into a crazy job every day and helps people. Even though he may be mentally exhausted when he gets home, he still makes time for Kiera and I.

I am thankful for my crazy animals. Yes, it can be frustrating to have to let someone go outside to potty at 3 o’clock in the morning, but that can’t compare to the moment I am stressed and one of them comes up and lies beside me to offer me comfort.

I’m thankful for my friends and family. Without them, I don’t know where I would be some days.

Be thankful for everything you have. From our family to yours, have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

Rowonna McNeely works as the Communications Manager for the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Aaron are regular volunteers in the community, and have their hands full with their daughter, Kiera, along with three dogs and one cat.

Thank you for sharing in our weekly journeys. If you have missed any of our past stories, check out our blog page at www.lifea2k.net or drop us a line at lifea2k@yahoo.com.