I was scanning through facebook one day when I came across this picture.
This is my friend Jo-Anne. The caption on the photo was Playing “Family-in-pyjamas-Midnight-Hide & Seek-in-the-hotel lobby/hallway” with the kids at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC.
A family of four in the lobby of the hotel hiding behind walls and pieces of furniture, giggling as they search for each other, all while wearing fluffy robes and smiles. I imagine the looks of the other hotel guests as they see the antics, hopefully small smiles breaking out on their faces as well.
When I came across this picture, the look of pure delight on Jo-Anne’s face as she anticipates being found by her kids had me mesmorized….. and wanting.
Instead of being in bed asleep after a long day of traipsing around New York City with two young kids, Jo-Anne is playing a game that will become a treasured memory for years to come. She does this quite often in her life – finding the joy and silliness in a moment and going with it.
So often I get lost in the doing of things I forget to participate in the joy of it. So focused on bedtime routines or the eating of dinner at the same time every night ‘at the table’ because, you know, *that’s* important. Always ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time, punctuality a must - I’ve stripped away the chance to have moments of pure delight.
I go back to look at this picture on almost a daily basis which is way less stalkerish than it sounds. It has inspired me to be a better parent. One who’s not so tied up in the doing of it all.
One who will have more moments.
Thank you Jo-Anne.
That’s inspiring! It’s hard for me to just be a fun mom, sometimes. The memories that the kids will treasure are the ones that just happened, spur of the moment. I need to remember that and aspire to be more fun, more in the moment. Thanks Sharon.
I’m so touched by this post Sharon. Thank you so much, it means a lot coming from you.