The Crossing Guard

“We are eating popcorn!” Rory yells to me from across the street.
“It is kettle corn!” Hazel enthusiastically adds as they mirror each other’s handfuls to their own mouths.

 

I watch from the perch of my opened hatch back that is my makeshift office. The two tangled-haired girls chat across the court on Hazel’s porch and I watch joyfully knowing the friendship they have together. I am simply a shadow to observe and protect when needed. My interactions are only requested when bowls become empty, cups are half full, or knees are scraped by the asphalt’s surface. Like a quiet crossing guard that is essential to survival and constantly aware, ever present, dedicated, rarely relaxed, but ironically a little bored. I am the Mini Macks mother.

(Theme music cued)

Life as the Mini Macks mother, aunt, and friend was a lot of fun this summer. So much so that the pictures and explanations only had liberty to come in short blurbs and texts to those closest. Dedicated toilet “washing” by Cody, chandelier swinging, and mud throwing, baking messes, fort Taj Mahals*, doorjamb belaying, museum hunting, park exploring, movie lawn laughter, rain shower play, car trips, living room picnics, the summer was fun and no doubt I haven’t listed half of it.

Savannah, my niece, was with us three days a week. The dynamic is always different with another kid in the mix and the benefits are great (and tiring!). My favorite moment was when she was tasked with taking the older two to the restroom while I stayed with Cody in the doctor’s office. She returned quickly as instructed but plopped down completely exasperated and said,

“Taking Rory to the bathroom is possibly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. She takes forever! Oh! And the hand washing!…” [Holding her head in her hands] “…It was just exhausting!”

I smiled, completely enjoying the dramatics of my dear seven-year-old niece and knowing, truly, she wasn’t exaggerating much. It also helped me to swallow the humble pill she gave me later in the summer during Vacation Bible School. Not knowing that I was sitting beside her in the starlit darkened room where we learned about being closer to the light of God and to be His light to others, Savannah offered her prayer request to the group:

“My aunt. She needs prayer desperately. She is stressed. Sometimes she even yells. I think she is stressed.”

From the mouths of babes, the truth was revealed. As my face warmed with embarrassment, I was also humbled that she considered me as the benefactor of her prayer. Like the crossing guard, ever present, needed, but often unappreciated, I was stunned at the recognition and care.

Like 30^th birthday parties held by wonderful friends (THANKS Heather and pals!) or escapes to the North Carolina beaches with a mother (THANKS MOM!) who knows digging holes in the sand, thrilling your children with waves, and eating junk food puts life back in perspective and makes one feel oh-so-appreciated. Thank God for friends and for family, for they are what will keep us thriving and in a constant opportunity to grow.

“Love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.” – 1 Peter 4: 8, 19

*Admittedly, the huge blanket fort was Chris’ brilliant idea for the ladies book club I attend and not exactly for the Mini Macks. We were able to fit a dozen pals in that fort for book club. Thanks buddy for the outstanding build!