The Journey Inward

A few weekends ago, I spent a glorious afternoon,
unusually warm for October,
apple picking with my daughter and her husband,
during their first weekend visit home since the wedding.
I marveled at both the novelty and the ordinary
of the newlyweds and their interactions -
light banter, playful competition, silly teasing,
mixed with snuggles and handholding and kisses.

Watching them read the signs at the ends of the row,
then pick together and apart,
my heart was touched by their young love,
by all that lies ahead for them,
for their California dreamin',
their plans for a dog, 
their excitement to finally live together.

The weekend was filled with food,
pickleball, tv shows, walks, talks, 
puppy play and front porch relaxing.
It was everything a mom could ask for.
As much as I yearn for the days when they were small,
when our days were ours and the world
was just our home, our yard, our street, our neighborhood;
when we were a unit, close and tight knit,
I adore these grown children,
with all their adventures and ideas and experiences,
and I love when they come home.

My Mama Heart was happy that weekend,
in the presence of these two responsible, disciplined,
mature grown up kids 
who are so comfortable in their own skin.
It turns out that being a mom is amazing
at every age and every stage.

Photo:  Bonacorsi Farm, NJ.  10.12.24 by LA