A few weekends ago I went antique shopping with my teen daughter and my mom. It’s something the three of us really enjoy doing together. Knick knacks of the past are cooler, better crafted and remind me of good memories and simpler times. Things just happen to find us, forgotten items, dusty and old that seem to shout “remember me, bring me home.”
On this particular outing, I did just that. Now, atop my refrigerator sits a large, shiny, bright red strawberry cookie jar, green stem handle and all. It’s simply charming and it brings me joy everyday.
In my 43 years I’m now finding that it truly is the little things in life that count. A giggle from my two-year-old, a hug from my 10-year-old and any small act of selflessness from my 15-and 16-year olds. A random act of kindness from a stranger, or a romantic gesture from my husband. Or simply, a 1960’s ceramic strawberry. I’ll take the little things and cherish them.
Cherish is a good word and one that’s been on my mind lately. I really try to remind myself that my teens are getting ready to leave for college soon. Like, on a daily basis. So I’m reveling in the small stuff. Really, really appreciating good conversations at dinner, a funny joke, a new leaf over turned, watching them mature, trying to figure themselves out. I’m “mindful” that this time is really flying by.
Time is a funny thing, isn’t it? Sometimes it’s painfully slow, other times lightening fast. As a parent of teenagers these years can be tough. And some days just flat out suck. But I’m finding that teenhood really does tackle the good, the bad and the ugly. It can be a whole lot of angst, anger, and attitude. And then out of the blue something kind and warm and loving will emerge. Every day is different, and there should always be something to look forward to.
So, for the next few years I’ll enjoy all of fun times my teens and I have. Whether my daughter and I continue to scout for old goods or my son and I go to car shows. Spending time with them is so valuable. It’s also really fun. When together, we are in the same element, just chilling and enjoying each other’s company. There is not enough down time these days. When I can get it, I’ll take it. In fact, we all should, shouldn’t we?
Who knows what other old, dusty thing awaits me out there in our travels. Perhaps an old record player, a vintage poster of some kind, or something super funky. But in my Mom eyes, it’s not the item that matters, but the day I found it with my teen.
Elizabeth Knobel lives in Windsor and is the mother of two teens who give her inspiration everyday. She can reached at el*********@ms*.com.
