The great boot exchange, I call it. Snow boots hauled up, rain boots hauled down from their upstairs closet winter home. April now, and I’ll expect a spate of showers before the sultry of summer comes to stay.
The rain boots tumble from my arms. Frogs, and monkeys, and the green Hunters I like so much. Chatter, and light in my lads’ eyes as they recall past springs and puddles splashed.
Then I send them out with boots and brushes to wash away the winter mud, for boots must be stored away clean.
I peek from the dining room window and watch them sitting on the steps, lips pressed in earnest as their little hands scrub.
Then I’m caught up for a while, sizing up which rain boots now fit who, and which can be given away—just another part of motherhood one wouldn’t think to list, though it takes an afternoon twice every year.
But I leave my work now, and step out. So new the spring, the grass yet a patch of green and straw.
Birdsong. Warmth. Flat blue beyond the branches bare.
I gasp. I’m gasping. And I cannot gulp enough of this sweet, this air.
And I watch my lads for a moment, as they laugh and run.
My curly top squats beneath our big old tree, and I’m called to see the wild violets growing there.
A moment more, then in again to think of dinner. And as my hands chop carrots into little discs, I think of this day. And I think of motherhood, and the labor of making a home. I think of how it’s disregarded. Seen as unfulfilling and of little worth. But I know otherwise.
And I sigh contentment for all I am and all I have. For the pleasure in this exchanging of boots. In this marking of the seasons, and remembering of dear times past.
I am building their memories, building their lives.
May my lads always find pleasure in order and in a job well done. May they find joy in little things. May they have thankful hearts. And may they one day go into the world with the strength that only a mother’s love can bring.
Avonlea x
Start your MORNINGS with thoughtfulness, grace, and literary inspiration sign up here!
OR find me on . . .
Instagram/Facebook/MeWe/Pinterest @happylittlesigh
Happy Little Sigh
Homemaking Inspiration from Literature
happy little sigh 