My mama attention is frequently divided. Conversations are often dominated by the plethora of questions from my very inquisitive four-year-old girl. On Thursday, I had ears only for my littlest, and he is quite the budding conversationalist. “Look mama – a big TV – isn’t that silly”?! I most certainly agree that a humongous flat-screen mounted on a building is indeed silly.
Through my little boy’s eyes my perspective is broadened. Making me aware of things that I would never have noticed – shapes in buildings, a stranger’s laugh, a soccer ball suspended in mid-air. In the middle of massive sensory overload – he brings my attention to a pattern of clouds in the sky. Little adventures through various neighborhoods are so exciting for him- as they are for me, still.
So many of the steps we took on our little trek called upon memories built in this incredible city. We walked past our first Manhattan apartment, the hospital where I birthed Lucia, and the office of the most gratifying job that I ever had. Our plans took us past the institution where I earned my masters degree at night, while working full-time by day. As I walked, my mind reeled back to Bob, and thoughts of the family we formed together – well before reciting vows and having babies.
On our day together, I soaked up my tiny narrator’s joy. A joy that shone so brightly while riding the subway, watching street performers, collecting sticks in Central Park and riding the carousel with his uncle.
I feel asleep that night with my ears echoing that sweet little voice repeating “look mama!”, and a full heart reflecting two-year old excitement over simple pleasures.
What a lovely day it was.
Viva la Violette