Lessons Learned

Today, after wrestling my little ones into their clothes - prepared to attend and enjoy the school mass, I sort of marveled that, this morning, they all happily ate nutritious breakfasts, wanted to get dressed and, moreover, cheerfully waved good-bye to one another - in fact, maintained an odd morning calm that I have not felt in a while. I mean, I still had to rush and manipulate and act more "down to business" than warm and fuzzy in order to get out the door, but... all in all... OK.

In church, I saw Enzo's big eyes looking at me over the church pew - his dimples when he smiled. I could tell he was trying to exhibit a combination of the calm reverence that he was told he should and the excitement that this honor - carrying the prayer box with big sis, his principal and a valued teacher - up to the priest - on his 5oth anniversary!!! - made him feel. An honor, he told me :-). Big sis, Olivia, sat enjoying her friends as usual, and she seemed to have a little sense of pride in being responsible for Enzo, directing him where to go, making him feel comfortable. It was so sweet. I was sitting with a friend, and she even got a lump in her throat. Enzo looked so small, and Olivia has grown up so much.

The whole mass was really a celebration of children, relationships and community. The priest, handing out communion to the masses, looked right at home - his little pilgrims filing to greet him, as they had for so many years. The little ones first - then ... the big kids - even those leaving the school after so long. It was really touching.

I did feel a sense of tradition today. A sense of families long committed to church, community, school, friends. The trying with the triumphant - the sad with the happy. It felt good and ... reminded me to take more deep breaths - to pause more - to focus on what I have and that what I have is good.

I wore my Dad's ring today - I'll call my Mom to tell her all about it. It's a truly satisfying feeling.