The sight of Ruehl playing with little stuffed animals, pretending they are alive. Watching her pretend they drive a car or live in the “Bluey” house. Listening to her as she uses her imagination to have the stuffies talk to one another. Seeing the excitement on her face after she uses scissors, tape and old rags to create outfits. This innocence is hopeful and pure! My heart soars!
Finally hearing Makeny speak with purpose. “Milk,” he requests in his forceful little voice. His simple demands bringing a smile to my face. “Popsicle” or “yogurt,” he asks with a grin that reveals his missing top two front teeth. Knowing that this simple communication is helping him to be more independent and encouraging more language is the most beautiful thing! The years of wishing I could hear his voice and now in a way expressing or communicating in a functional way … it’s difficult to express the happiness I feel inside!
Ruehl sharing with me conversations she has with her friends … so important. I hope she will always feel comfortable talking to me. Listening to her dreams and encouraging her to be whatever she would like … Baker, chef, artist or actress. Being there to see her eyes shine when she received a post card from her teacher addressed to “Secret Agent Ruehl” and then helping her brainstorm a new spy name … it’s priceless!
Dancing and singing “Super Simple” and “Koo Koo Kangaroo” songs with Makeny and watching his face light up and giggles pouring out of his little body is just too wonderful to explain. Music has just helped him blossom and become present with us. His imitation and play skills have grown so much! He has sweet dance moves too!
While the pandemic has been difficult … monetarily and emotionally and technically (school work at home by computer yuck) … I have grown much closer to my children! I know them … really know them. I won’t pretend it’s all rainbows and butterflies but we have found a way to feel the sunshine and “be present together!” We hug more and dance more. We try to be silly more and have more fun. My family and I have spent more time getting to know each other. I believe that though we know the world is scary sometimes, together we have found we are resilient.
It is ok to use your imagination, to sing, dance and be silly! It is ok to play with your children. It’s ok to ignore the dishes and house work to create some crafts or read with your kids! We all only have one life to live. My realization over this pandemic is that doing and experiencing with my kids is the best way to live life! Not only are my kids thriving because of this but so am I!
Love, Family, Kids & ❤️ 