August afternoons

This month many an afternoon (though not many enough!) was spent in the company of Liz, my former college roommate and current very good ("very good " to the umpteenth power) friend, our two kids (each) in tow.

David, who loves nothing better than a good friend, was thrilled to have a new one. A new friend with whom to run wild in various museums, perform Otter Pop science experiments, play video games, wrestle, and laugh. They must be true friends--because they bickered and tattled, yet cried at each inevitable separation.

Meanwhile, Mary happily appointed herself primary caregiver of "the baby"--who is really only a few months younger than Mary herself. Mary would shout with delight at the prospect of spending another afternoon with the "bee-bee." Mary made sure the baby never went without a bottle. She showered on her kisses and hugs and all kinds of toys. She tattled on the baby when she wandered too far up the stairs, played near her, and happily shared her bananas.

So, yes, the kids had a good time. But the very best part was how much time I got to spend with Liz. It certainly wasn't uninterrupted time--four little ones made it virtually impossible to carry on any sort of coherent conversation--but it was time nonetheless. We spent so much time together as young single adults, and, despite the chaos, it was fun and rewarding and refreshing to spend time together as mothers.

We did have one precious afternoon of girl time. Liz managed to find a babysitter for the boys (during Girls Camp week! thank you Liz for accomplishing a miracle!), and we girls headed to a local Mexican restaurant for chips, salsa, diet Coke, and real conversation--what else do you need? Mary cared for the baby, and Liz and I finally TALKED. Like really TALKED. Like grown-ups. It was absolutely by far the most glorious two hours I've had since Greg left. My heart is full of gratitude for Liz, her friendship, and the example she is to me (...and how generous with her time she was for my sake even though she's in the middle of a million different things right now).

For me, motherhood is often a rocky path. When I'm even on the path! Most of the time I feel like I'm lost.

It's good to have company.