sebishop4.blogspot.com: 8/1/22

Monday, August 8, 2022

POEM: Looking Away

"My mostly grown children are home right now, and I’m finding myself doing a lot of looking away.

I’m looking away from crumbs on the countertop and laundry on the floor and dishes in the sink and lights that stay on and music that’s too loud and answers that are too short and meals that are scarfed down and conversations that don’t happen.

I’m looking away from all these things, because what I’m looking at matters so much more.

I’m looking at young adults who chose to come home when they have other choices.

I’m looking at students who lost a college senior year, a college freshman experience, a graduation, a spot in the band, a spot on the team.

Yet they still put in the time and the work and their very best efforts.

I’m looking at people who need a break. Who need a break from rules and restrictions and unrealistic expectations.

I’m looking at kids who experienced something unprecedented.

Something hard even for adults with years of life and experience under their belts. Yet these kids showed up, lost with grace, took action, made the next move.

So I’m looking away. I’m looking away from all the things that really don’t matter.

Because everything I’m looking at is everything that matters most."

#LoveWhatMatters

Credit: No Sick Days For Mom—Cheryl Gottlieb Boxer, Writer