Being Present for the Stolen Moments
Day 307.
Our 14 yo now takes the subway to high school, and I take the same subway line (though not as far) to the office. Today I went in, found myself with an unusually quiet afternoon, so when I got her text that she was out of school and headed back, I asked if she wanted to hop off for a bit at my stop and meet near 3 WTC (where my office is). She did, and I showed her around the area, we grabbed a snack and sat outside by the WTC memorial on this beautiful day. She snacked and chatted about her day. Then I grabbed my things and rode home with her. A lovely stolen moment with my girl.
It took some time out of the day, but I knew I could make up the time in the evening because I wouldn’t be drinking. And I’ve noticed how important it is to try to catch the kids at moments they naturally feel chatty. Waiting until evening and asking, “how was your day?” just doesn’t work anymore.
Anyway, it was a great day at the office, and then the kids were unwinding at home laughing together watching an anime after dinner. I snapped a photo because I love the way they reconnect with each other after school, and am present enough to observe it in the evening without distractions.