What It Might Take to Slow Down as a Family

The wind whipped the roof of the athletic center.

I was working out.

Trying to take the time to take care of myself when I got the call.

“Umm…Marnie, the power just went out and we can’t get out of our road because a tree is down.”

My babysitter was trying to get my son to me.

I stopped my workout and headed to my car. A branch smacked the side of my face. 40mph winds were in the works. The wind’s gusts had to be stronger.

I drove home considering my options for getting to my house. Not a problem. Park on the side of the road and walk down my street. Trucks were already removing the large branch blocking our road but I found it soothing to stroll down the road with eyes shut taking in the wind and all its force.  Deep breaths, feeling how tiny I really am in this giant, powerful world.

I got to our home and let our sitter go for the night.

No power made for problem-solving around dinner.

I started to cut vegetables. I took out bread, ham, peanut butter, jelly…no problem.

I headed out the door with my 3-year-old to pick up his older brothers at the bus stop.

Immediately upon hopping into the car, “Mom, can we play with our [amazon_textlink asin=’B01MUAGZ49′ text=’Nintendo Switch’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’blogpost’ marketplace=’US’ link_id=”] tonight?” I knew it wasn’t charged and they knew the rules.

“What needs to happen first?”

“Homework, dinner, clean room, PJs, and brush teeth,” they recited to me.

I nodded and then explained that the power was out.  They thought that was cool and fun.

When they arrived home, they dug out the headlamps we use for camping. We opened all the shades as the sun was beginning to descend the sky.

Our school night routine proceeded as usual.

The power wasn’t returning…

We all got into our pajamas and climbed into bed. It was close to 7 pm.

The natural light projected through the window blanketing us as we cuddled together, headlamps ready, under blankets, reading…together…as a family.

Soon we fell deeply into sleep.

The silence.

The natural light.

The together time.

The real books.

We woke up this morning, no one on the wrong side of the bed (which says a lot if you know my 7 and 3-year-old sons).

Contentment.

They ate breakfast, grabbed their books, and headed to the couch.

This time we piled together enjoying the morning sun.  We all read our books.

“Hey, mom did the power come back on,” my 7-year-old asked.

The power came on in the middle of the night. The lights we failed to turn off and the [amazon_textlink asin=’B06XCM9LJ4′ text=’Alexas’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’blogpost’ marketplace=’US’ link_id=”] beamed their “Hellos” to us, thankfully not disturbing my boys’ sleep.

I have been a mom for 9 years and I have never felt such joy, peace, and calm in my home.

Losing power was a defining moment for my family. I long for simple parenting but it is a challenge.

No distraction. Natural light. Being together.

I can’t wait to lose power again.

Bring it mother nature.