When I was pregnant with my son, I used to daydream about the things I would do with him – like playing pirates out in the back yard or spending hours hanging out in a make-shift fort on a rainy day. Neither of those pictured events have transpired yet, as an actual child is so different than an imaginary one, and those ideal situations I thought I would create never seem to turn out like I envisioned. So often when I plan a ‘classic’ occasion like going to a local parade or making a lemonade stand on the front lawn, there is ultimately more crying, more fuss and more frustrated feelings than I expected. Sometimes my husband rolls his eyes at how hard I try to make lasting, positive memories as the circumstances just muck it all up.

Call me silly, but I long to have those childhood experiences with my kids what will still warm my heart when I am eighty. I want to have memories and feelings that will stay with me forever, so despite my husband’s annoyance, I keep planning big things. Of course, read a self-help book or two, and you will know divineness never comes when planned, but serendipitously.

After a long day of swimming and playing on the beach this summer, I laid on a lawn chair, basting in the hot afternoon sun. The day was perfect, fun and stress free. My eyes were closed, my spirit rested and all seemed relaxed and well. Without saying anything, my son walked over and lay beside me. He put his head on my stomach and rested there as the sun evaporated the water droplets off his skin. We were both quite for a long moment, and our breathing became synced. For a young child, he seemed to lay there for what seemed like forever, and then he said very softly, “Mom , I love you”.

No planning, no imagining it or wishing it to be… it was one of the greatest, most loving moments I have ever shared with my son and I will remember it every day of my life. It was a perfect example to me of how great moments and special times simply happen when you are just together. You don’t have to make grand plans or attend outrageous events, you just have to be there, with them, together as a family.

2009 is the 25th anniversary of National Family Week, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the positivity and strength of family connections. Although no family is “perfect”, it can be a wonderful place of growth and love for its members. In a fast paced and demanding world, it can offer a place to connect and catch our breath.

Through National Family Week activities, family members can:
1) Explore their family’s history and learn more about what makes their family unique. 
2) Share quality time by looking through old photo albums and memorabilia.
3) Try new activities together.
4) Attending friendly sporting events.
5) Bake, cook or make crafts.

This year’s theme is: Jump into Family Fun. During National Family Week, October 5th -11th, 2009, strengthen your families ties; reconnect and have fun together by taking part in family activities that nurture your bodies and your spirits.

Standing on my Soapbox

JB