Sunday, August 12, 2007

Dear Mother...

 
(picture of canoe trip with kids as we paddled through the lily pads at trillium lake.)

Dear Mom,

Dirty toes, dirty toes in sleeping bags. Cooking... cleaning... fire... gathering... all of our primal basics. There have been many times since I became a mother that I've pondered on how you were able to accomplish all that you did while raising five children. I have but three and it seems infinitely harder sometimes. This weekend I found myself constantly thinking of all my idyllic outdoor childhood memories. I remember hiking, swimming, swinging from ropes and dropping into lukewarm lakes, curling up into sleeping bags and if we were really lucky sleeping under the stars. I remember you making Rice Krispie treats and never once yelling at us not to eat the whole thing. I remember concoctions wrapped in aluminum foil placed in the fire pit coals and I never remember them tasting bad. Please tell me if it was really that easy because this past weekend camping with my three children was really hard. They had a great time and didn't want to leave but I think one more day sleeping on the ground and I might not have been able to get back up. I truly appreciate you instilling a love of the outdoors into my inner soul. It is definitely something I want to pass onto my children. So if there are any secret tips please share (besides getting an air mattress).
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2 comments:

Crabby Amy said...

Your picture is beautiful!! Do post any good suggestions your mother may have...I would love to hear them! ;) oh and air mattresses are fantastic!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you my daughter. It brought back good memories for me. I wish I could have been there with you. I still long to be in the woods. I love the smell of pine trees and to catch the glimpse of a snowcapped mountain in the distance.