"A girl is Innocence playing in the mud, Beauty standing on its head, and Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot." Alan Beck
I have just one voicemail I keep in the archives on my phone. Its not from my husband, or the boys. Its the cutest, tiniest girl's voice. It goes something like this... "Hi Bicky, Vicky. I miss you. I want to come to your house. I love you." Then her mother's voice says "tell Vicky who you are." And in the sweetest, sniffling, voice she announces "Its me!" I listen to it every so often and melt every time.
Two years ago I spent 12 weeks taking care of the owner of that voice, Miss E, and her sister Miss L, while their daycare provider took maternity leave.
Two years and they still remember me? And ask to come back and visit me?
It took 2.2 seconds for them to walk in the door yesterday morning and resume our old routines.
We dove right into our usuals- colors, markers, paper and bursts of tag to burn off some energy. Miss E is 5 now and goes to preschool in the afternoons. In fact all the new things she can do is because "now I"m five, so I can." Wouldn't it be great if we adults thought that way? Now I'm 44, so I can... imagine all we could do...
And this little dynamo is almost 3... seriously, she was a baby that I fed and rocked and held when she first started coming. Now Miss L talks up a storm and you just shake your head up and down and smile a lot trying to keep up with her.
"She has the Spirit of the sun, The Moods of the moon, The Will of the wind."
Author: Julie Perkins Cantrell
We had lots of impromptu dance performances and lots of "ta-da's" with them.
"Remember when all we had to do was to keep our ponytails straight and catch fireflies?"
Before she left E shared with me... "I missed you so much. But I'll be back tomorrow, and the next day and the next. And all the rest of the days after that!"
They left around noon with hugs and kisses and I held on for an extra second or two knowing they won't be coming today. It was with a bit of sadness that I realized how exhausted I was after just half a day. But exhausted from doing all sorts of things that brought me immense joy, is the kind of exhaustion I'll take any day.
I remember as if it was yesterday when you kept the precious girls.
ReplyDeleteYou have a way of tugging at my heart, Vicky. I love the way you are loved...and the way you love.
As you rest today, know that I am thinking of you. I love you, my friend.
Always,
Jackie
You touched those little girl's hearts for ever Vicky and their love for you is only a reflection of your love for them.
ReplyDeleteSending you healing energy :-)
xoxoxo
I don't think it will surprise anyone who comes here that you wove your way into their hearts just as you do ours. But the message you keep? So precious. I wouldn't be able to delete it, either! They are adorable and I can't EVEN BELIEVE THAT WAS TWO YEARS AGO!!!!!! Where have I been and where has the time gone??? So glad for a fun day with people who "CAN!" Love you. :) (AND your writing.....!)
ReplyDeleteoh so glad you had some extra joy to start your week!
ReplyDeletebeen keeping you in my prayers!!
xoxoTiffany
Time well spent for all of you. What beautiful loving hearts you share.
ReplyDeleteIf I would be a little girl now ... I think I would love you by the same way!
ReplyDeleteBussal
Mimi
LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing the girls. I am so jealous -- I want to spend time with them and also with you! Knowing that at least my best friend and my nieces got to spend a half a day together - wonderful. Christopher looked at your blog this morning - he wanted more photos! Can't wait to see you and them again - hopefully yet this month!!
ReplyDeleteVicky, you bring joy to everyone you touch. It's your calling, you know.. I truly believe that. :-)
ReplyDeleteAdorable girls.. and.. my ponytails were almost NEVER straight, or even, or neat.
what a joyful post! thank you.
ReplyDeletekids are great! Best medicine :)
ReplyDeleteI remember those little girls! I had just started reading your blog around then. They filled your heart and soul with love and laughter as you enjoyed having little girls around the house.
ReplyDeleteI know it did you good to see them again as I'm sure it did them good too. Life is full of little blessings and having a day with them again, was one of them.
Hugs my friend!
Oh, that is so so sweet. Especially to me because Rory is 5 and still say's her V's as B's. So you would be Bicky to her. :)
ReplyDeleteVicky, I missed this yesterday. I remember these little gals; what sweethearts! I love how they express themselves so freely and easily around you. That says something about you as much as about them. :) They are ADORABLE!
ReplyDeleteOh Happy Exhaustion -
ReplyDeleteto sit down from the enormity of joy.
Goodness, has it been 2 years?! Where has the time gone? I remember the weeks you spent with them and the obvious joy they brought into your life for those few weeks that you loved on them daily. I am not surprised at all that they remember you so well. You do have a magnificent way of leaving "warm traces of Vicky" on the mind and in the heart of those of us that have the honor of being part of your world. Love you, my friend. BIG ((hugs)) to you!
ReplyDeletehow sweet are they ? and that they remembered you !!
ReplyDeletewhat a great day that must have been !!
xoxo